Vegas Play of the Day: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

By Taylor Bern

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 | 9 a.m.

We've reset the Play of the Day with fresh bankrolls and turned it into a yearly competition. Our three sports writers have restarted with $10,000 bankrolls to continue using on odds from the South Point.

Kansas City Chiefs minus-3 vs. Denver Broncos: $550 to win $500

All of the Peyton Manning trends suggest you back the Broncos, but I think it’s going to get worse in Denver before it gets better.

Manning is 11-1 straight up against the Chiefs, including 6-0 (4-2 ATS) since moving into the division. While I certainly don’t think we’ve seen the end of Manning, it would be foolish to overlook or cast aside his struggles.

Until the Broncos figure out a solution, and they’ll come up with something that works relatively well, defensive lines can tee off on Manning. It’s basically a similar tactic that some teams have effectively used against the Chiefs’ Alex Smith: Defend like crazy in the 15 yards from the line of scrimmage and if you get beat long, tip your helmet.

It’s well known that Smith doesn’t loft many deep passes, but Kansas City has the personnel for the shorter game. Plus, the Chiefs are looking to expand. Meanwhile, Denver is looking to contract and keep things easy for Manning, who has no zip on his ball.

Gun to my head, I would still pick Denver to win this division, but tonight the Chiefs will get some vengeance.

Current Standings (as of July 1): Bern (9-9, $10,405), Brewer (13-11, $9,940), Keefer (7-18, $4,611)

Lifetime Records: 2014-15 champion Bern (91-83-1), Keefer (91-100-2), Brewer (82-98-2)

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.