Mexico City was supposed to host what many consider the NFL’s best matchup of the year to date. However, poor field conditions on the Mexico NFL field at Estadio Azteca has forced the league to find a new home for the showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams. Players complained, owners were concerned and the league responded by shifting the game from the Mexico NFL field to The Coliseum in Southern California.
The issue began back in May when the stadium surface was changed from grass to a hybrid turf. Since then, a jam-packed calendar of events — including a soccer tournament this past weekend — as well as an unusually rainy season has left the field unplayable. Pictures of the playing surface started circulating on Tuesday morning and shortly after, it was reported that players were genuinely considering boycotting on the game.
Related: NFL Betting Guide | Week 11 Odds
The matchup is a tantalizing one as both teams are 9-1 and field two of the best offenses in the NFL. Originally, the total for the contest opened up at 63.5 at BetDSI Sportsbook, which — had it closed at that number — would have been the highest in NFL history. However, sharp action was steadily pouring in on the under. Professional bettors felt that with the stadium conditions being what they are, it would be a sizable challenge for the offenses. The total is currently at 63.
In terms of the side, with the game set in Mexico City, the Rams were a 2.5-point favorite. Now that the game has been moved to Southern California — closer to the Rams home — they have been bumped up to -3.5. All original bets placed prior to the venue change were refunded.
Prior to this matchup, the highest over-under that we’ve seen was the 2013 showdown between the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers in 2000, which closed at 61.5. It’s easy to see why this contest is expected to be so explosive as the Rams are third in points per game at 33.5 and the Chiefs are second at 35.3. That means the Rams are on pace to score 536 points this season while the Chiefs are on pace for 565. The most points scored in a season was the 2013 Denver Broncos, who tallied 606. That means that the Monday Night Football showdown will pit two of the 12 highest-scoring offenses in NFL history.
Most Points Scored in a Season in NFL History
606 (2013 Denver Broncos)
589 (2007 New England Patriots)
587 (2018 New Orleans Saints’ pace)
565 (2018 Kansas City Chiefs’ pace)
560 (2011 Green Bay Packers)
557 (2012 New England Patriots)
556 (1998 Minnesota Vikings)
547 (2011 New Orleans Saints)
540 (2000 St. Louis Rams)
540 (2016 Atlanta Falcons)
536 (2018 Los Angeles Rams’ pace)
If you’re planning to bet the game, it’s worth noting that this is the 12th time since 2003 that we’ve seen a total of 57.5 or higher. The over is a perfect 11-0, which includes the Kansas City Chiefs-New England Patriots game from earlier this season, which closed at 59.5. The final score was New England 43-40.
