And here we go! The 2019 playoffs continue this weekend with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC divisional. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. PT on NBC, with Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth in the announcer booth.
The Colts limped into the playoffs for 2019, but in their first game, against and hosted by the Houston Texans, they absolutely dominated their opponent 21-7. The Texans were unable to get any offense going, managing a single touchdown in the fourth quarter. Andrew Luck looks to be back in full force and the Colts and—with their estimated projection of $123 million in salary cap space—is the salesman to get 2019 free agents an idea that moving to Indianapolis is both a productive and financially sound reason.
The Chiefs have been playing lights out for 2019, thanks to possible MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes took over from Alex Smith, who himself had a productive 2017 and has 50 touchdowns for 2018. The Chiefs have lost four games in 2018, three on the road and one at home, all to playoff teams. While they have crazy weapons in tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, they also have an achilles heel for defense. With the Colts’ resurging offense, this should be a treat.
The Chiefs are five point favorites, but it’s worth noting that dating back to 2013, quarterbacks making their first career playoff start at 4-10-1 against the spread and 4-11 straight up. The first time starter on a favored team is 3-3 straight up, but still just 1-5 against the spread. The Colts have had an emerging defense of late (something not heard of most of the time) and Andrew Luck has returned to form. I think this could be game of the weekend, but I’ll take the Chiefs in this one, since they are in KC.
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
When: January 12, 2018 | 1:30 p.m. PT
TV: NBC
Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play) Cris Collinsworth (commentary)
Radio: Chiefs Radio | Colts - 107.5 The Fan
Online Streaming: NBC Sports
Odds: Chiefs, -5
Colts blog: Stampede Blue
Chiefs blog: Arrowhead Pride