Free Pick: Kansas City 11-4 at Cincinnati 9-6

The Chiefs have won eight in a row and are firmly in the driver’s seat to finish as the No.1 seed in the AFC, so they need to win this game. The Bengals can lock up the AFC North with a win in this game. They took a big step toward the division title with a big win over Baltimore last week. But, Kansas City is a different animal and this one will be difficult for the Bengals to win. Let’s look at the lines.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Kansas City: 27.5 Total Team Points Everyone knows about the Chiefs offense and how dynamic they can be. As long as Patrick Mahomes is behind the center and throwing to receivers, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman, they are a dangerous outfit. To beat the Chiefs, you have to eliminate the big play and keep Mahomes under control. That is much easier said than done. The Bengals defense is the key to the game and the question will be if they are up to the task. I’ll take the Chiefs OVER 27.5 team points.

Cincinnati: 21.5 Total Team Points The Bengals are averaging 27 points and 366 total yards per game. Quarterback, Joe Burrow threw for over 500 yards last week against the Ravens and he has thrown for 4,165 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. He has to have a big game if the Bengals are going to win. Running back Joe Mixon, is another big key for the Bengals too. He has ran for 1,159 yards and he could hurt the Kansas City run defense. I like Cincinnati OVER 21.5 team points.

OVER/UNDER: 50.5 Combined Team Points I took the OVER on both teams’ point totals and I think this could be a shootout.. I will take OVER 50 combined points.

POINT SPREAD: Kansas City is a 5-point favorite We think the Chiefs are going to win. The question is can they cover the point spread. Both teams need this game, but Cincinnati is more desperate. Will that be enough of an edge to beat the spread?

AARON’S PICK: Kansas City -5

PAPA DUDES PICK: Cincinnati OVER 21.5 team points