The Kansas City Chiefs are defending Super Bowl champions, and thus enter the 2023 NFL season as a team to beat.
That’s the standard storyline as long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce are on the roster, though there are other important players as well.
With the preseason beginning in earnest this week, it’s not that long before the games start to count. Looking ahead to Week 1 as the Chiefs host the season opener, Thursday, Sept. 7th, against the Detroit Lions.
Kansas City recently provided the status on a pair of key players expected back when the games count.
Pacheco and Toney Readying
The Kansas City Chiefs are a touchdown favorite against the Detroit Lions in the league’s season opener, according to NFL Week 1 odds. However, that contest could be tougher than the odds might suggest. Detroit is a chic pick to win the NFC North this season, listed as +135 favorites, as per NFL division odds. Expect the Motown Men to test the champs.
Kansas City received good news this week, as two of their marquee offensive players are expected to play in the opener. Running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver Kadarius Toney both had surgery this offseason, but they’re expected at full strength by September.
Pacheco underwent a pair of surgeries, repairing injuries to his hand and shoulder. Doctors and team trainers haven’t cleared him completely, but he’s been participating in some drills.
Toney suffered a torn meniscus on the first day of camp, with concern that he’d miss time. However, surgery was quick and successful, and KC hopes he’s cleared in a few weeks.
Pacheco came out of nowhere to lead the Chiefs in rushing (830 yards) a season ago, including 76 yards and a key score in the Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, ex-New York Giant Toney was acquired in the middle of last season, and the Chiefs believe he’ll be their top wideout in 2023. Toney had a long Super Bowl punt return
Chiefs are LVIII Faves
The NFL hasn’t seen a repeat champion since the 2003-’04 New England Patriots. Kansas City has a chance to snap that just about two-decade streak this season, They’re the betting favorites to do just that.
Currently, the team is priced at 6-1 (+600) to win Super Bowl LVIII, at least in early August. That doesn’t mean things are easy in Arrowhead, but the team has the tools to get it done.
The bridesmaid Philadelphia Eagles (+750) and the never-won-an-NFL-title Buffalo Bills (+850) appear to be the biggest challengers to the Chiefs, but Kansas City has disposed of those teams in recent seasons. The odds at BetUS sportsbook are pretty crowded after those teams, speaking to the parity of the NFL.
Kansas City has slapped around the AFC West. winning the division the past seven seasons. It’s “minus money,” as in -170, this season, making it by far the shortest-priced divisional fave in the league.
