NFL picks: The Kansas City Chiefs rode a soft schedule, a hot start, and the positive vibes of new QB Alex Smith and head coach Andy Reid to a remarkable turnaround season that ended with a surprise playoff berth. The Carolina Panthers were also a surprise playoff team as they have developed one of the top defenses in the NFL while QB Cam Newton had a breakout season in 2013 and has developed as a more polished leader and field general. The Carolina Panthers will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night at Bank of America Stadium with coverage on FOX starting at 8 PM ET. BetDSI opened with the Panthers as a 3-point favorite and with a total of 39.
Defense Regressing for KC?
The Chiefs may have been a surprise playoff team last year and had the reputation for having a strong defense but the combination of injuries and a tougher schedule down the stretch caused Kansas City to slide all the way down to a final NFL ranking of 24th for total defense and it was a horrible defensive collapse that cost the Chiefs in their 45-44 playoff loss at Indianapolis last year. Last week in their preseason opener, the Chiefs won a 41-39 shootout against the Cincinnati Bengals as their defensive problems were again brought into light. Kansas City allowed an ugly 180 yards on the ground and 196 in the air while committing seven penalties. Backup QB Chase Daniel was 8/10 passing for 126 yards with a TD and an INT. The Chiefs got a push as 2-point home chalks with the game soaring over the total of 36.5.
Carolina Fails to Pay Bills
The Panthers lost their preseason opener last week at home against the Buffalo Bills 20-18 as 1-point home chalks as the game went over the total of 37. Joe Webb had a strong game at QB for Carolina as he was 16/28 for 180 yards with a TD and an INT. Carolina committed nine penalties and allowed 128 yards rushing and 175 yards passing.
Our Pick
Both teams are coming off weak defensive performances and Andy Reid has gone over the total in 34 out of 60 preseason games for his career. Over the total is the call.
