The Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars meet Sunday in NFL action from TIAA Bank Field. Kansas City is 0-1 on the young season following a one-point loss to the Lions in their opener. As for Jacksonville, they’re coming off a Week 1 game versus the Colts. The Jaguars ended up pulling off a comeback win. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City had a pretty good preseason showing this year at 2-1. After a 26-24 loss to the Saints in the exhibition opener, the Chiefs beat the Cardinals 38-10 and the Browns 33-32. In their Week 1 matchup versus the Lions last Thursday however, the Chiefs were outscored 14-6 in the second half during a tough loss 21-20.
In their Week 1 loss, the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes finished with 226 pass yards, two scores and a pick while also leading the rush on 45 yards from six carries. Marquez Valdes-Scantlin caught two balls for 48 yards, and Justin Watson had a pair of catches for 45 yards. The Chiefs were out-gained on the ground 118-90 and made just five of 14 third-down conversions.
Kansas City Chiefs Team Facts
The Chiefs have won each of their last eight games following a home loss.
The Chiefs have covered the spread in each of their last seven road games following a home loss.
The favorites have won the first half in each of the Chiefs’ last seven games.
The underdogs have won the first quarter in four the Chiefs’ last five Week 2 games.
The Chiefs have scored the first touchdown in each of their last six games as favorites following a loss.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Over on the Jaguars’ side, they ran the table in exhibition play this year. Jacksonville kicked things off with a 28-23 win over the Cowboys, then beat the Lions 25-7. Game three was a 31-18 win over the Dolphins. Matched up against the Colts in their Week 1 opener, Jacksonville went back and forth with Indianapolis for most of the game and entered the fourth with a four-point deficit. The Jags scored two unanswered touchdowns for a 31-21 win, though.
In the opener win, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence threw for 241 yards, two scores and an interception. Lawrence also had seven carries for 21 yards. Travis Etienne was the leading rusher with 77 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Calvin Ridley caught eight balls for 101 yards and a score.
Jacksonville Jaguars Team Facts
The Jaguars have won each of their last six games played as underdogs on the East Coast.
The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Jaguars’ last 10 games at TIAA Bank Field.
The Jaguars have lost the first quarter in 11 of their last 12 games at TIAA Bank Field against teams that held a losing record.
The Jaguars have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five Week 2 games at TIAA Bank Field.
The Jaguars have lost the first half in 19 of their last 20 games as underdogs against AFC West opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
The Jaguars ranked 1st in the AFC South for points scored per game last season (23.8)
The Jaguars ranked 1st in the AFC South for points allowed per game last season (20.6)
The Chiefs ranked 1st in the NFL in points per game (29.2) last season
The Chiefs ranked 1st in the NFL in yards per game (413.6) last season
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stick with the Chiefs. Lots of people are down on Kansas City right now following a fairly listless overall performance at home against the Lions in the opener. The Chiefs weren’t their normal competent selves on offense, generating just 316 total yards, 17 first downs and 27:22 in time of possession. Some credit is due to the Lions for coming in and playing well on the road, but Kansas City certainly has some kinks to work out before this matchup.
As for the Jaguars, they really turned it on in the fourth quarter and overcame some early difficulties. Jacksonville went just 3-of-12 on third downs and had a couple of turnovers, so there’s plenty to work on. That said, the defense was strong for most of the game. Kansas City will have their hands full on offense but I think the Chiefs will be good cover/win-wise.
