NFL betting handicappers had better start taking the Kansas City Chiefs seriously after their 31-10 home win over the San Francisco 49ers for a 3-0 start to the season.
Cash Cow
The Chiefs easily won the NFL bet as 2.5 point home dogs in a clear case of the wrong team being favored. Kansas City has covered the spread in all 3 of their games so far this year while going under the total in 2 out of 3 games. This is a different Chiefs team from the one that began the 2009 season with 4 consecutive losses.
San Francisco Treat
The Chiefs and quarterback Matt Cassel have struggled offensively but the 2nd year starter for Kansas City lit up the 49ers defense for 16-27 good for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jamaal Charles continued to demonstrate that he is one of the best backs in the league as he gained 97 yards on 12 carries while Thomas Jones rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries in the best showing yet for new offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss. The Chiefs found the 49ers to be a tasty San Francisco Treat as they held a 457-251 edge in total yards and a 21-11 first down advantage.
Nightmare Start
The 49ers were one of the favorites at Sbgglobal to win the NFC West and make the playoffs but are now in the hole at 0-3 straight up and 1-2 against the spread with none of their games yet to go under the total. Head coach Mike Singletary seemed to be making progress heading into this season and it comes as a shock to many handicappers that his team was so thoroughly dominated, especially physically, by Kansas City. Singletary is known for being a strong defensive coach and yet the 49ers rank 31st for points permitted after 3 weeks of action. Meanwhile the other touted strength of the team, rushing, has been abysmal as well as the San Francisco ground attack ranks 27th in NFL betting.
Romeo Affair
One of the most appealing reasons to make a NFL bet with Kansas City is their defense that is ranked 4th in the NFL for points allowed and 6th against the rush. Kansas City held the vaunted Frank Gore of San Francisco to just 43 yards on 15 carries in the win.