Chiefs Now Listed as Super Bowl Favorites After Wild Comeback Win Over Texans

• The Kansas City Chiefs trailed 24-0 on Sunday but ended up beating the Tennessee Titans 51-31
• The Chiefs’ Super Bowl odds were at +350 but they’re now betting favorites at +140
• Kansas City has some serious concerns with their run defense, which might prevent them from winning it all

The Kansas City Chiefs had a first quarter scare in their Divisional Round game versus the Houston Texans but all is well that ends well. After trailing 24-0, the Chiefs roared back and easily won Sunday’s game 51-31. Their Super Bowl odds have shifted from +350 to +140 as now they’re set to host the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game.

2020 Super Bowl Odds

Odds taken Jan. 12.

Chiefs Survive Serious Scare

The Chiefs had about as nightmarish of a start as possible as they trailed Sunday’s Divisional Playoff game 24-0 at the start of the second quarter. They had a pair of three-and-outs on offense, had a punt block that was returned for a touchdown and couldn’t get off the field on defense. It really looked like we were on course for an all-AFC South AFC Championship Game.

However, the Chiefs got it together as their special teams finally changed the momentum of the game with a big kickoff return, then the KC’s offense scored two plays later to cut it to 24-7. After that, the Texans helped them out with a slew of mistakes, which paved the way for the Chiefs to score touchdowns on their next seven series and put the game away.

It was a fun second quarter. pic.twitter.com/7L71ZG4Vs8

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 12, 2020

In the end, the Chiefs’ 51-31 win will look impressive to many. At the same time, there have to be some serious concerns given how they performed in the early goings of this game.

Super Bowl Odds Shorten to +140

The Chiefs entered Sunday with odds of +350 but their 2020 Super Bowl odds have shortened to +140 — the new betting favorite. Their path to the Super Bowl has – at least on paper – gotten much easier thanks to the Tennessee Titans’ win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Had the Ravens won, the Chiefs would have had to go on the road to Baltimore and face the No. 1 team in the AFC (and NFL) in terms of record. Even though the Chiefs were 7-1 in road games this season, they’d still rather play at Arrowhead Stadium. Now they’ll get to stay at home and host the No. 6-seeded Titans.

And we ain't stopping 💨 pic.twitter.com/7SAEM7WpX1

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 12, 2020

The Titans have beaten three AFC division winners in a row and also beat the Chiefs earlier in the year, so the Chiefs must beware. At the same time, the Chiefs’ Super Bowl odds have shortened because they’ll be favored at home in the AFC Championship Game versus being a road underdog at Baltimore.

Are the Chiefs a Good Bet?

The Chiefs did flip the switch on Sunday but bettors must not forget that they dug themselves a 24-0 hole at home. The Texans helped them out with poor coaching decisions and turnovers. However, a team like the Titans, who is great at avoiding mistakes and excels at shortening the game, should be able to learn a lot from the Texans’ start.

PATRICK MAHOMES.

28 straight points.

4 first-half touchdown passes.

And the @Chiefs have the lead! #ChiefsKingdom #NFLPlayoffs

📺: #HOUvsKC on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/ytW9g3rQZM pic.twitter.com/AroX5mr1F4

— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2020

There are major concerns on the Chiefs’ defense – especially in terms of run defense. The Chiefs will have to face at least one, if not two excellent rushing teams if they want to win the Super Bowl. The Titans are as good as it gets in that regard right now, while the 49ers ranked second in the NFL in rushing offense.

At this point, I’d be a little hesitant to back the Chiefs. Their offense exploded on Sunday, but their defense has some serious concerns that could get exposed in the coming weeks of action.