Chiefs vs Jaguars odds, picks and predictions: NFL Week 2 preview

Odds between Chiefs and Jaguars

The Chiefs vs Jaguars odds for Week 2 of the NFL show Kansas City as a three-point favorite as Patrick Mahomes and company try to bounce back from a Week 1 loss to the Lions.

Kansas City seems to be bringing everyone, particularly Travis Kelce, back at the right time. The Chiefs will be at full strength when they take on Jacksonville in a rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional Round playoff game. Can Jacksonville overcome injuries and turnover on the offensive line to avenge last season’s playoff exit?

Let’s preview this Week 2 game between Kansas City and Jacksonville and then make a choice between the Chiefs and Jaguars.

Week 1 may have been disappointing, but on the bright side, Patrick Mahomes looked as strong as ever. There aren’t many stats that jump out at you, but if you watched the game, it’s clear that Mahomes is still in top shape.

Mahomes had the sixth-best PFF grade among quarterbacks last week. He was pressured 20 times, but did not receive a single sack.

We all already know that Kansas City’s offense can be deadly, especially with Travis Kelce back. I also hope to see Kadarius Toney and possibly Skyy Moore work as Andy Reid tries to give them more opportunities.

The Chiefs defense remained strong against Detroit and only allowed 14 points to a Lions offense that is considered one of the best units in the league.

Jacksonville also has a talented offense, but I think Kansas City’s defense can perform well again.

Jacksonville’s offensive line worries me. Left tackle Cam Robinson is suspended for the first four games of the season and the Jaguars are also replacing right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who signed with the Chiefs in free agency. Additionally, the injury bug has affected guard Brandon Scherff and center Luke Fortner and both are questionable.

Last season, the Chiefs had the most quarterback pressures in the league (178) and the fifth-highest pressure rate (24.9%). This resulted in them having the second most catches (55). Now, defensive end George Karlaftis looks to make a jump in his second year. Kansas City also added another defensive end, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, in the first round of the draft. Those two led the team in pressure in Week 1.

Maybe the interior of Jacksonville’s offensive line will play, but I can’t imagine they’ll be 100%. With the return of Chris Jones, I feel there is reason to be concerned about Jacksonville’s line protecting Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence hasn’t held up well to the pressure. Of the 19 quarterbacks who took 50% of his team’s dropbacks last year, Lawrence ranked 17th in PFF passing grade with an atrocious 29.5. In those dropbacks, he was tied for the league-high with eight interceptions. If the Chiefs can get to Lawrence, I think they will be successful.

Lawrence struggled against the Colts in Week 1. The Jaguars averaged -0.22 EPA per play and had just a 66.7% series conversion rate.

Jacksonville’s running game was basically non-existent as neither Travis Etienne nor Tank Bigsby had a good day. Etienne averaged 4.3 yards per carry on 18 carries, while Bigsby had seven carries for 13 yards.

The Jags will need to step up to overcome Kansas City, and that will be difficult to do with a banged-up offensive line.

In the end, I think this sets up well for Kansas City to get back on track. The Chiefs have a three-day rest lead and are returning key contributors like Jones and Kelce.

Indianapolis couldn’t take advantage of Jacksonville’s O-line issues, but I think Kansas City will.

Jacksonville scored just 17 and 20 points in the two matchups against KC in 2022. I think we’ll see something similar as the Chiefs’ defensive front wreaks havoc while the offense rebounds.

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