Welcome to a Titans at Chiefs gambling preview via SoBros Network. This will focus on the 2022 NFL Week 9 matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs. Every week, SoBros Network contributor Joshua Huffman will provide a weekly betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) guide on Titans games.
Titans at Chiefs: Week 9 Spread & DFS Gambling Preview (2022)
Introduction
The Titans (5-2) and Chiefs (5-2) face off in a Sunday Night Football contest that will give the winner an early advantage on securing the AFC’s No. 2 seed. Most analysts and even fans expect Kansas City to enjoy a blowout victory. I’d like to remind everyone that, during Week 7 of last year, there were similar expectations before the Titans pulled off a 27-3 win in a game that was one of Patrick Mahomes career worst performances. The Titans jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead before shutting it down during the second half.
Following an 0-2 start, the Titans have won five straight games en route to becoming the overwhelming AFC South favorite. They’re coming off a 17-10 win against the Houston Texans when Derrick Henry had 33 touches (32 carries, one reception) for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee will continue to rely on their ground game as injuries, inexperience, and lackluster talent have limited the passing offense, especially during the second half of games.
The Chiefs are one of the few teams who’ve stood out in a season that’s been a quagmire of mediocrity or worse. Mahomes is one of the early season favorites to win his second MVP award. Despite losing Tyreek Hill during the offseason, the Chiefs offense still flourishes as Mahomes spreads it around to a stable of speedy wide receivers. They’re coming off a bye week and a 44-23 road win against the San Francisco 49ers.
Early Lines (as of November 2 Via FanDuel)
DFS Prices
Titans
- RB Derrick Henry $8,500
- QB Ryan Tannehill $5,300 (questionable)
- WR Robert Woods $5,100
- RB Dontrell Hilliard $4,700
- TE Austin Hooper $2,600
- De Titans $2,200
Chiefs
- QB Patrick Mahomes $7,800
- TE Travis Kelce $7,800
- RB Clyde Edwards–Helaire $5,900
- WR Juju Smith–Schuster $5,800
- WR Kadarius Toney $4,600
- WR Mecole Hardman $4,500
- WR Marquez Valdes–Scantling $4,400
- De Chiefs $3,300
Key Injuries
- Newly acquired Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney should make his debut. While he probably won’t have a huge game as he’s still learning the offense and coming off an injury, his presence could take snaps away from wide receivers not named Juju Smith–Schuster.
- The Titans activated nickelback Elijah Molden off injured reserve. If he plays, then that gives them the ability to move Roger McCreary to outside cornerback along with Kristian Fulton. This would really help them defend against Kansas City’s four- and five-wide receiver sets.
Titans at Chiefs: Best Bet, DFS Picks
Titans First Half Spread (+6.5 at -105)
Typically, Tennessee has played better during the first half of games. They have the NFL’s worst second half offense averaging 4.3 points per game. Surprisingly, their tied for fifth with first half scoring offense at 14.6 points per game. Consider +6.5 especially if Tannehill starts.
Derrick Henry
In last year’s contest, Henry had 31 touches (29 carries, two receptions) for 102 yards. Regardless of whether Tennessee faces an injured Tannehill or inexperienced Willis, Henry should receive another workload of at least 20-plus touches. Please note that Kansas City has the NFL’s No. 3 rushing defense. They’ve been more susceptible to the opponent’s passing game because of defensive backfield injuries.
Juju Smith-Schuster
In his last two games, Smith–Schuster has combined to have 12 receptions on 13 targets for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He’s clearly the offense’s No. 2 option behind Kelce. While he doesn’t have the ceiling that former wide receiver Tyreek Hill had in previous seasons, Smith-Schuster has been a solid replacement at a fraction of the price.
Travis Kelce
If this is one of those DFS single game matchups, then he’s obviously a good play. On a slate with multiple games, that depends on whether you like paying up for tight end. He’s always got that high ceiling that no one can touch other than maybe Mark Andrews.
Titans at Chiefs: Final Thoughts (Keys to Victory)
Kansas City’s wide receiver depth will test Tennessee’s lack of cornerback depth. For Tennessee, getting nickelback Elijah Molden back would really help although he’s probably not in full game shape yet. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, Tennessee has surprised in these types of games. That said, the Buffalo Bills beat them 41-7 in Week 2.
Tennessee faces some difficult matchups. Last year’s team had enough of a passing offense to exploit Kansas City’s defensive weaknesses. Former wide receiver A.J. Brown had eight receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. Julio Jones and Josh Reynolds added a combined five receptions for 61 yards. All three of these players are gone. They really need Woods and Hooper to have breakout performances.
Tennessee’s defense has come a long way since a bad performance against the Bills. We’re about to find out whether they’re an elite unit or they’ve simply been feasting on bad competition.
What Are Your Thoughts on Titans at Chiefs? Comment Below!
Joshua Huffman provides Tennessee Titans and broad sports coverage for SoBros Network. He has a personal blog, Armchair Prudence. His content has been published on websites including Yahoo! Sports (via Contributor Network) and Titan Sized.
