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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 | 2 a.m.
Week 2: Chiefs at Steelers
- Which side would you take in Chiefs at Steelers? (Poll consensus year to date: 1-0)
- Chiefs plus-4.5 — 59.1%
- Steelers minus-4.5 — 40.9%
This poll is closed, see Full Results »
Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
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Patrick Mahomes put in a strong bid towards becoming the NFL’s most exciting player in week 1 of the season.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ first-year starting quarterback, and second-year pro, threw for four touchdowns to lead his team to a 38-28 upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. With versatile receiver Tyreek Hill and running back Kareem Hunt alongside Mahomes, the Chiefs could have the most explosive offense in the league.
It’s a distinction they may have to wrest from the Steelers, which have spent the last several seasons as one of the most high-flying teams. There’s some concern Pittsburgh may not be able to uphold that reputation after a 21-21 week 1 tie with the Cleveland Browns as 3-point favorites.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who turned 36 years old and contemplated retirement in the offseason, looked rusty in throwing three interceptions. Roethlisberger’s top target, Antonio Brown, might still be the best receiver in the NFL, but the other part of the Steelers’ offensive triumvirate, running back Le’Veon Bell, still hasn’t joined the team after a contract dispute.
Bettors appear more comfortable with the up-and-coming team, as the Chiefs have drawn the majority of the action in sports books even as the line moves slightly in the Steelers’ direction. Pittsburgh is currently a 4.5- or 5-point favorite in the game of the week in the Sun’s handicapping contest.
Each member of the sports staff must make six NFL picks each week, against the spread or over/under, with one allocated towards the game of the week.
Check below for all of this week’s picks, listed in order of sports books’ rotation numbers.
Jesse Granger (2017 co-champion)
This Season: 4-2
Last Season: 57-40-5
Indianapolis Colts plus-6 at Washington Redskins
Carolina Panthers plus-6 at Atlanta Falcons
Los Angeles Chargers minus-7.5 at Buffalo Bills
Houston Texans minus-3 at Tennessee Titans
Kansas City Chiefs plus-4.5 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleveland Browns plus-9 at New Orleans Saints
Mike Grimala
This Season: 3-2-1
Last Season: 52-48-2
Carolina Panthers plus-6 at Atlanta Falcons
Houston Texans minus-3 at Tennessee Titans
Kansas City Chiefs plus-4.5 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Los Angeles Chargers minus-7.5 at Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins plus-2.5 at New York Jets
New England Patriots minus-1.5 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Ray Brewer (2016 champion, 2013 co-champion)
This Season: 2-3-1
Last Season: 43-57-2
Pittsburgh Steelers minus-4.5 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins plus-2.5 at New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles minus-3.5 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Detroit Lions plus-6 at San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks plus-3 at Chicago Bears
Dallas Cowboys minus-3 vs. New York Giants
Case Keefer (2012, 2014, 2015 champion, 2013 and 2017 co-champion)
This Season: 1-5
Last Season: 57-40-5
Atlanta Falcons minus-6 vs. Carolina Panthers
Tennessee Titans plus-3 vs. Houston Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers minus-4.5 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit Lions plus-6 at San Francisco 49ers
Jacksonville Jaguars plus-1.5 vs. New England Patriots
Dallas Cowboys minus-3 vs. New York Giants
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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