Titans vs. Chiefs Free Pick
KANSAS CITY, MO (The Spread) – Alex Smith has a new contract and his Chiefs will host the Titans as a small favorite today at 1:00PM ET.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Chiefs opened as 3 -point home favorites over the visiting Titans, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 43.5 points. Kansas City opened as 6-point home favorites before the line was bet down, while the total opened at 44 and has been bet down.
The Titans hope that Jake Locker is ready to take the preverbal next step in his development. If he can, the AFC South is weak enough for Tennessee to surprise as a playoff contender but it needs major contributions from Locker, Justin Hunter and rookie Bishop Sankey. The team signed Wesley Woodyard to beef up a solid, if unspectacular defensive unit.
The Chiefs made a surprising run to the playoffs a year ago but now face the challenge of having to replace several players along both lines. The team lost offensive linemen Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah to free agency, as well as run-stuffer Tyson Jackson. Thankfully, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Eric Berry return to a defense that should still hold its own. The questions are whether or not the new offensive line can open lanes for dynamic running back Jamaal Charles, and if quarterback Alex Smith has enough weapons to throw to in the passing game. His No. 1 wideout, Dwayne Bowe, is suspended for the first game of the season.
NFL FREE PICK: Take Tennessee. According to latest NFL trends, the Titans are 3-0-1 against the spread in their last four games in September, 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight road games and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games in Week 1. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games versus the AFC and 0-5 ATS in their last five home games. The road team is also 5-1 against the number in the last six meetings between these two teams.
2014 NFL WEEK 1 FREE PICK: TENNESSEE TITANS +3
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!