This game opened at Chiefs -3 but after 62% of the consensus money rolled in on KC the books went on and adjusted this thing to -6 in hopes of evening the wagers out. Last year KC won by more than 6 seven times. They averaged 28.2 and allowed 21.4 for the year last season, putting up 405 yards per game. Changes in the top receiver spot as Tyreke Hill is now in Miami, but they still have Kelce and Hardman along Valdes-Scantling a speedy deep threat from Green Bay and Smith-Schuster from Pittsburgh. On the defense the lose Honey Badger to New Orleans and not having him at safety may or may not cause issues as he was one their leaders on this team.
For Arizona they signed Murray to the big contract, but the concern for them may be if they can win with Hopkins out, as they were not nearly as successful with him not on the field last year. They did score 26.4 a game, giving up 21.5 a game. They also lost top receiver Christian Kirk to free agency in Jacksonville, but they do bring in Hollywood Brown via trade from Baltimore. The Cardinals started out 7-0 last year and great first half of seasons has been a fact in college and pro for Kliff Kingsbury, might be what happens when he has a healthy roster and extra time to prepare.
This game as far as consensus sportsbook wagers in Las Vegas is the second least wagered on game behind the Jags/Commanders game. With a few roster changes on both sides and a number that has adjusted to a point where covering 6 on the road in week 1 is a task that few teams are up to, and keeping up with the Chiefs is a tall task as they have been the team in firm control of the AFC West during Andy Reid’s tenure.
Week 1 can be difficult but looking at the teams struggles with Hopkins not there, as possibly the leagues biggest mismatch, they lost by 6 or more in 4 of 5 games Murray started when DeAndre Hopkins was out. A lot of the gambling community may like the Cardinals with the points here just the fact of how hard it can be to cover -6 on the road especially week 1, and that may be why a lot of action is going on other games as many feel the Chiefs will win but they only won by 7 or more in 40% of their games last year including the playoffs. While the Cardinals only lost by 7 or more 22% of the time last year including the playoffs. That being what it is my prediction is 30-22 Chiefs.