The Kansas City Chiefs are very likely going to beat the Denver Broncos Sunday afternoon. The only question is whether or not the defending Super Bowl champions will cover the spread.

The Chiefs are the second-biggest favorites on the Week 7 schedule for their trip to Denver. The betting line is 9.5 points, according to odds compiled by OddsShark. The over/under is 48.5.

Until further notice, Kansas City is the NFL’s best team. The Chiefs are nearly perfect with a 5-1 record, their only misstep coming in Week 5. The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off one of the biggest upsets of 2020, defeating Kansas City 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Kansas City has a pair of one-sided victories. They won the season opener 34-20 against the Houston Texans, who have won four division titles in five years. The Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens by the same score, winning a potential AFC Championship Preview.

While Kansas City beat the New England Patriots 26-10, the game was closer than the final score indicates. The Chiefs pulled away in the fourth quarter as Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham struggled under center.

In Week 2, Kansas City needed overtime to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-20. The Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills 26-17 Monday night.

There seems to be a common thread with those results. Kansas City plays its best when facing a formidable opponent. The Chiefs have struggled more than they should as heavy favorites.

Enter the Broncos, who own a 2-3 record and won’t be confused for a Super Bowl contender. Denver is on a two-game winning streak, coming off an upset victory over New England in Week 6.

The Broncos are 4-1 against the spread. They kept games against the undefeated Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers within one possession. Denver’s lone blowout loss came at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 when Drew Lock was sidelined with an injury.

Denver’s defense has kept its games competitive with defense. The Broncos are eighth in opponents’ yards per play. They are one of three teams that have yet to surrender 30 points in any game.

Kansas City has never scored more than 30 points against Denver with Patrick Mahomes under center. It’s nearly impossible to contain the Chiefs’ offense for 60 minutes, but this game could be closer than expected.

Prediction: Kansas City over Denver, 27-20

Patrick Mahomes Chiefs Raiders
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs points out defensive shifts by the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. David Eulitt/Getty Images
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