Chargers vs. Chiefs NFL Week 2: BetMGM Betting Trends

Week 2 of the NFL season starts with an AFC West bout between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, and it checks out as one of the most exciting games on the schedule.

Adding even more interest to Thursday’s game, the Chiefs sport the third-lowest odds (+750) to win the Super Bowl at BetMGM, and the Chargers are right behind them at +1200. Plus, even if it’s only Week 2, the winner of this matchup will hold sole possession of first place in the AFC West.

The Chiefs are +150 to win the division, and the Chargers are trading at +200.

Here’s a look at the betting trends ahead of the anticipated Chargers-Rams matchup from the sportsbook.

Chargers at Chiefs Betting Trends

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Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-4, 54)

• This contest features the highest Over/Under total for Week 2.

• There is also reverse line movement on the total. It's dropped a half-point despite the Over receiving significantly more betting tickets and handle than the Under.

• The Chiefs have won six consecutive home openers with an average winning margin of 7.8 points.

• Los Angeles wide receiver Keenan Allen has already been ruled out against the Chiefs with a hamstring injury. Chargers wideouts Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer figure to see an uptick in target volume, and their respective receiving-yards totals are 67.5 and 46.5.

• Palmer caught five of seven targets for 66 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 14 last season when Allen was sidelined. He'll probably be a trendy target for punters and poolies.

• First-year Bolts tight end Gerald Everett caught three of his four targets in Week 1 for 54 yards and a touchdown, and fellow tight end Donald Parham has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury Thursday. Everett’s +180 to score a touchdown against the Chiefs, and his receiving-yards total is 41.5. 

• Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s passing-touchdowns total is just 1.5, but it’s trading at -208 odds at BetMGM. His passing-yards total is 282.5 with a more manageable -115 vig. 

• The only other question mark for the Chargers is whether cornerback J.C. Jackson is ready to return following an August ankle surgery. He paced the NFL in passes defensed last season and earned his first Pro Bowl nod, so even if Jackson is back on a snap count, he can probably help the LA secondary. He’s listed as questionable.

• Kansas City right guard Trey Smith is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury. He practiced in full Wednesday, but if he misses the contest, the Chiefs’ offensive line takes a hit with Nick Allegretti stepping into the starting role.

• If there’s a concern with the KC offense, it’s whether it can protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes and open holes for the rushing attack. The Chargers ranked fifth in pass rush last week per Pro Football Focus.

• Speaking of Mahomes, he’s coming off a tidy showing with 360 passing yards and five touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. His touchdown total is 2.5 and passing-yard total is 297.5 for Thursday’s tilt against the Chargers at BetMGM. 

• KC tight end Travis Kelce was the clear No. 1 target for Mahomes against the Cards, hauling in eight of nine targets for 121 yards and a touchdown with a 10.8 aDoT. The Bolts didn’t have an answer for Kelce last season, as he piled up 17 receptions for 295 yards and two scores across the two meetings between the clubs. Kelce’s receiving-yards total is 76.5, and he’s trading at -189 to score Thursday at the sportsbook.

• The Chiefs will be without kicker Harrison Butker due to an ankle injury. As a result, Kansas City head coach Andy Ried could alter his offensive game plan. Kicker Matt Ammendola is expected to be elevated from the practice squad and play Thursday. Ammendola connected on just two of eight field-goal attempts from beyond 40 yards last year during his 11-game stint with the New York Jets.

• Kansas City converting Under 1.5 field goals Thursday is listed at  +115 at BetMGM.

Make sure to keep an eye on our Live Odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.