Island NFL games bring in the numbers -- and the bets. In an attempt to boost gamer bankrolls, this only occasionally profitable bettor will attempt to stack greenbacks. As always, fade or follow -- that’s up to you.
The Pick: Travis Kelce UNDER 48.5 receiving yards vs. Texans (-115, Score Bet)
Last Thursday on this loudmouth’s BetMGM Tonight program, legendary NFL scribe John McClain (No, not the same “Yippee ki ya” MFer you’re familiar with this time each year) joined the show.
When asked about Houston/Kansas City, his response was exactly how everyone outside a certain part of the country feels, “I’m tired of the Chiefs.”
Yep, up there with uncomfortable conversations with family members only encountered during the holiday season, we’re all exhausted with everything KC.
The “sick of” sentiment is a dynasty byproduct. Similar to the Tom Brady-led New England era, football fans yearn for fresh faces and parity.
Sunday night in teeth-chattering Cowtown, Houston has a shot to drive home a coffin nail. What better way to do it than containing Mr. Taylor Swift.
This season, no NFL defense has been stingier to tight ends than the Texans. In 12 games, Deeco Ryan’s suffocating unit has surrendered the fourth-fewest yards per game (39.4) to the position. Brenton Strange and Chig Okonkwo are the only TEs to cross the 45-yard mark against them. Hell, our friends at BetAlytics project only 30.73 yards for No. 87.
Though getting long in the tooth, Kelce continues to churn out quality numbers each week. He’s reached 50 yards in seven of his last nine games. Attracting 6.5 targets per game this season, the future HOFer is top-10 among all tight ends in total air yards (515), yards after catch (375), yards per route run (1.88) and yards per reception (12.2). Again, his skillset remains strong.
The enormity of this game for both teams cannot be overstated. To get one step closer to a postseason berth, It’s a must win for both franchises.
In what should be a defensive battle in below-freezing temps, Kelce is cooled.
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - Texans +10.5, Dalton Schultz 4+ rec, Rashee Rice 4+ rec, Nico Collins 50+ yards (+180, DraftKings)