Kansas City Chiefs vs Indianapolis Colts Preview (9/25/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

After an ugly shutout loss 24-0 at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts will host the Kansas City Chiefs to try and turn their season around. Not only have the Chiefs started out 2-0, but they also an advantage having had extra time to rest after playing on Thursday last week. Let’s take a look at depth charts, odds, and injuries that will determine this matchup.

Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Indianapolis Colts Betting Odds

The Kansas City Chiefs are favored by -5.5 points, which feels low considering the Colts (+5.5) lackluster performance last week. If the Colts put up 0 points versus the Jaguars, it’s hard to imagine them coming within five points of the Chiefs, who have been in the AFC Championship game the last four years. The over/under is currently set at 49.5.

Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction

Though many anticipated both of these teams to be strong contenders in the AFC, their seasons have started off on the opposite tracks. The Chiefs may be playing better than everyone expected after trading away Tyreek Hill, with new players stepping up to lead this team to a 2-0 start. It’s hard for anyone to argue the Chiefs offense has lost a step, especially considering they rank third in points and fifth in yards. The Chiefs defense has also produced key plays through the first two weeks, like last week when rookie Jaylen Watson had a critical 99 yard pick six, helping the Chiefs take the game from the Chargers.

On the other hand, the Colts have looked abysmal to start this season. In a division few would describe as mighty, the Colts barely managed a tie versus the Texans in week one before the Jaguars embarrassed and shut them out in week two. Despite many expecting Matt Ryan to upgrade the quarterback position after Carson Wentz left, the Colts rank dead last in offensive points scored this season.

Injuries have plagued the Colts, particularly last week when their number one receiver Michael Pittman and rookie receiver Alec Pierce both missed the game. With those two out, the Jaguars could focus their defensive efforts on stopping last season’s leading rusher, Jonathan Taylor. The defense also missed their leader in Shaquille Leonard, who sat out of the first two games with a back injury. He has returned to practicing fully this week, but is still questionable to play.

With crucial players on the Colts still questionable and the Chiefs starting the season on a roll, expect the Chiefs to take this one.

Prediction: Chiefs cover 27-13, Under hits.

Betting Trends

• Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Colts are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Chiefs are 2-7 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

Key Injuries

Kansas City Chiefs Injuries: Harrison Butker (Q), Derrick Gore (Q), Mecole Hardman (Q), Justin Watson (Q), Michael Danna (Q)

Indianapolis Colts Injuries: Shaquille Leonard (Q), Michael Pittman (Q), Alec Pierce (Q), John Hurst (Q)

Key Matchups

Can the Colts secondary slow down Travis Kelce? How will this Chiefs defense fare against this Colts offensive front? Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Chiefs vs Colts below.

Travis Kelce vs Colts Pass Defense

The Chiefs have revamped their receiving core this season with new faces Justin Watson, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Skyy Moore, and Juju Smith-Schuster, allowing the Chiefs to maintain a dangerous pass attack. Even so, Patrick Mahomes favorite target is still his reliable tight end, Travis Kelce. Through two weeks, Kelce leads all tight ends in receiving yards with 172 and is second in receptions with 13. He remains the Chiefs top weapon as he has 83 more receiving yards this season than any of his teammates. The Colts linebackers and secondary members will want to slow down Kelce and force Mahomes to throw to receivers he has less chemistry with than Kelce.

OF COURSE. @TKelce starts us off!

📺: @CBS pic.twitter.com/lfPtQL2HLu

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 11, 2022

Colts Offensive Line vs Chiefs Defensive Line

The Colts offensive line has disappointed mightily through two weeks. While only a few short years ago, many admired the Colts offensive line as one of the best across the league, they have sunk from that status. Considering Matt Ryan’s limited mobility and the Colts reliance on the run game, better offensive line play is a necessity if the Colts want to turn this season around. Last week the Jaguars sacked Ryan four times and won the battle up front. The Colts this week will go up against one of the league’s best defensive tackles in Chris Jones, who had two sacks last week versus the Chargers. If they can hold off Jones and the rest of the Chiefs line, it will help open lanes for Jonathan Taylor and allow Ryan more time to throw.

Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart

QB:Patrick Mahomes
RB1: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
RB2: Jerick McKinnon
LWR: Marquez Valdez-Scantling
RWR: Juju Smith-Schuster
SWR: Mecole Hardman
TE1: Travis Kelce

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart

QB: Matt Ryan
RB1: Jonathan Taylor
RB2: Nyheim Hines
LWR: Alec Pierce
RWR: Parris Campbell
SWR: Michael Pittman Jr.
TE1: Mo Alie-Cox