The Eagles' offense is rolling, putting up big numbers in most offensive categories, but the other side of the ball is a problem.
Philip Rivers tore into the Philadelphia defense, throwing confidently into the windswept, empty acres downfield. Andy Reid (returning to his old stamping ground) will use the excellent Jamaal Charles in a familiar way in the West Coast offense; catching out of the backfield with a mixture of screens and check downs for Alex Smith - Charles was actually targeted more than Dwayne Bowe last week. Smith has managed the game and protected the ball well so far and it's unlikely that tonight's defensive effort by the Eagles will trouble him too much.
The problem for the Chiefs is that Alex Smith is not a vertical threat and games against Philadelphia, with Chip Kelly's extraordinary offense, are liable to descend into shoot-outs and so Kansas will need to show some extra dimension on offense to exploit the middle of the field and Philadelphia's awful secondary. Bowe, Avery and McCluster are a decent set of receivers, but Smith limits them.
Michael Vick is looking like new man, playing with more discipline and throwing nicely from the pocket. LeSean McCoy is playing well and the solid Kansas defense had problems against the Cowboys receivers (specifically Dez Bryant) so I expect Vick to take a couple of deep shots to DeSean Jackson. That Chiefs' defense though can threaten Vick, with Lane Johnson still settling in on the line. Andy Reid understands his opponents enough to bring pressure in the right places.
This may be tight, but I expect the road team's defense to finally slow down the Eagles' O. I'll take the points.
Pick: Kansas City Chiefs +3 @ 2.05 (6-5, +0.63)
Pick: 1st TD Dwayne Bowe @ 10 (2-9, +15)
Pick: Anytime TD Michael Vick @ 2.4 (4-7, -1.02)
(Totals 3-2, +0.73)
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