Super Bowl LV odds update: Chiefs odds unchanged after beating Browns
The NFL season comes down to three games, beginning with this Sunday’s Conference Championship clashes. The Kansas City Chiefs – who will host the Buffalo Bills – are still the Super Bowl LV favorites, though their odds did not budge from last week following their victory over the Cleveland Browns. Are the defending champs worth a wager in this spot? Here’s our analysis.
Mahomes injury casting doubt on Chiefs’ chances
It was a sight no football fan wanted to see on Sunday afternoon as Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes woozily walked off the field during the fourth quarter of Sunday afternoon’s contest with the Browns. He was later diagnosed with a concussion and could not return to the game.
Here’s video of the Patrick Mahomes injury. Hard to tell what happened, but he’s running to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/vpIPx8yd8V
— Andersen Pickard (@AndersenPickard) January 17, 2021
The NFL’s concussion protocol is a tricky thing, so it’s hard to declare with confidence whether Mahomes will play or not against the Bills. Chad Henne filled in adequately for two drives, but it’s hard to envision him matching strides with Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen in the AFC Championship Game.
Kansas City not all that impressive against Cleveland
Mahomes still played the first three quarters against the Browns, and it’s not as if the Chiefs were dominating the Browns up to that point. That came despite having a bye week ahead of the Divisional Round, and Cleveland exiting an extremely emotional win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kansas City once again did not cover the spread in a 22-17 result, meaning they still haven’t rewarded their backers since Nov. 1. If Henne didn’t execute that gutsy fourth down call by Andy Reid, the Chiefs might not have even won straight-up.
After predicting there wouldn't be a snap, Tony Romo lost his mind when the Chiefs went for it to seal the win. pic.twitter.com/sQuyOAibzz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 17, 2021
The case for the Packers
Though the Los Angeles Rams didn’t have two-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald at full strength on Saturday, they still boasted the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL. But it was no match for the Green Bay Packers (+220), who posted a 32-18 victory at Lambeau Field.
FINAL: The @packers are heading to their second consecutive NFC Championship! #GoPackGo #NFLPlayoffs
— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2021
(by @Lexus) pic.twitter.com/HWBZvXBToO
Aaron Rodgers was afforded excellent protection all game long, which would be a recipe for success against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. The Bucs do not have a corner that’s capable of guarding Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams. The Packers also have an outstanding running back in Aaron Jones that will keep Tampa’s stoppers honest.
Green Bay looks like a better bet to at least make Super Bowl LV at this point, and they have the strength on both sides of the ball to compete with either team that comes out of the AFC.
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