Intro by Doug Kezirian
We are deprived of a superstar showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, but the Chiefs hosting the Packers as 7.5-point favorites (it had reached as high as 8.5) will still generate a great deal of betting handle.
"There are only three afternoon games. It's still the Packers and Chiefs. Even though Rodgers isn't going to play, that's going to be a big game for us," Jeff Stoneback, the director of BetMGM sportsbooks in Nevada, told ESPN.
Kansas City is just 4-15 ATS in its past 19 games, dating back to last season and including the playoffs. During this run, the public typically has remained steadfast on backing the Chiefs, despite the non-covers. But not anymore.
"Even though the Chiefs weren't covering, they were still winning. But now, they've actually been losing those games and that's made a difference with the public," Stoneback said. "The last thing in the public's head is K.C. barely beating a poor Giants team. Figuring to get a touchdown to start, the public money will probably be on the Packers."