San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs 2010 NFL Predictions, Odds, and Picks Week 1: The second half of a Monday Night Football doubleheader to finish week 1 has the San Diego Chargers traveling to play the Kansas City Chiefs at 10:15 PM ET at Arrowhead Stadium on ESPN. Head football coach Norm Turner’s team has been a traditionally slow starter and has a new look offense behind quarterback Phillip Rivers without veteran running back LaDainian Tomlinson for the first time in 9 years. Chief’s head football coach Todd Haley made some big moves to his coaching staff hiring ex head coaches Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator and Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator. “We’re going to try to emphasize not letting them run the ball on us,” said Crennel, “And if we can stop the run, that will help the passing game as well.” The odds makers at Diamond have the San Diego Chargers -6 point favorites on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers were an impressive 13-3 last year winning the AFC West for the fourth straight year and were likely to go to the Super Bowl before being upset by the Jets 17-14 in the playoffs. Quarterback Phillip Rivers threw for 4,254 yards and 28 touchdowns and wide out Vincent Jackson and tight end Antonio Gates both had over 1,150 yards receiving. San Diego is looking for big things from rookie running back Ryan Matthews out of Fresno State. “Ryan gives us explosive plays,” Coach Norv Turner said. “He’s got great speed and he’s going to crank off some 10-, 15-, 20-yard runs.” Vegas odds makers have the San Diego Chargers as +800 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl.
Kansas City finished a dismal 4-12 and didn’t even sniff the playoffs. Quarterback Matt Cassel brought in with a big contract from the Patriots 2 years ago is on the hot seat. Cassel threw for 2,924 yard and just 16 touchdowns but had 16 picks; he did however lead the league with 10 fourth quarter touchdown passes. The bright spot returning for the Chiefs is running back Jamaal Charles who ran for 1,120 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 10 games. Look for Weis to help improve all the offensive stats. Vegas odds makers have the over/under for the total score at 45 points combined of the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs.
The slow starting Chargers will stumble early so I predict the Chiefs will cover at home. Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert NFL Football Predictions against the vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.