Patriots Open Defense of Super Bowl Title Against Chiefs

Thursday Night Football kicks off the 2017 NFL regular season when the Kansas City Chiefs visit the New England Patriots. The current line has New England favored by 8 points with the over/under point total on 48.

New England finished last season 14-2 and went on to win Super Bowl LI, while Kansas City was 12-4 and won the AFC West. The last time the two teams played head to head was during the playoffs in January 2016 with New England coming out on top 27-20.

Both teams will be missing key offensive weapons opening the season. New England lost wide receiver Julian Edelman, who caught 96 passes last season, with an ACL tear. Kansas City lost its top running back Spencer Ware with a knee injury. Both players will miss the entire season.

Kansas City traded up in the draft to take Patrick Mahones their future quarterback. This preseason he played well, but veteran Alex Smith will start under center for the Chiefs.

Filling in for Ware at running back will likely be Charcandrick West. There is also rookie Kareem Hunt and free agent signing C.J. Spiller, who will see time in the backfield.

Smith is coming off a season where he threw for 3,500 yards, 15 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Tight end Travis Kelce with 85 receptions was his favorite target.

Defensively, Kansas City must replace the departed Donatri Poe a nose tackle. They did not fare well against the run last season.

New England traded in the offseason for Brandin Cooks a talented wide receiver and his presence will make the loss of Edelman slightly easier to handle. Cooks has more than 2,300 yards receiving over the last two seasons and 17 touchdowns receptions during that same period.

Tom Brady the veteran and future Hall of Famer returns for another season at 39. Last season he threw for 28 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. Rob Gronkowski is once again healthy and will be one of Brady’s favorite targets at tight end.

Defensively, New England was strong last season finishing No. 6 overall allowing only 326 yards per game. The Pats defense against the run was No. 3 overall at 88.5 yards per game allowed.

New England is favored to win Super Bowl LII opening the season.

Kansas City is 6-0 against the spread in its last 6 games on the road.

New England is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games played on fieldturf.

Prediction: New England will continue its dominance over the AFC and in general the NFL. Lean here with the Pats.