You know what they say; “fourth times the charm”… right?
There haven’t been many players that have gotten the best of Patrick Mahomes in his career, but Mahomes is 0-3 against Joe Burrow. On top of that, his Kansas City Chiefs are home underdogs to Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals for the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium.
It’s a rematch of last year’s game in which the Chiefs blew a 21-3 lead to lose that one 27-24 in overtime, and to make matters worse, Mahomes has an injured ankle.
Instead of just taking Kansas City, let’s add in a few props to really go plus sign hunting.
I’ve constructed this four-leg, one-game parlay in the BetMGM Sportsbook and it pays out +450. That means a $25 bet pays out $137.50.
Best same game parlay picks for Bengals vs. Chiefs
- Chiefs +3.5 (Alternate line)
- 1st half team total – Chiefs over 9.5
- Isiah Pacheco 55+ rush yards
- Travis Kelce 65+ receiving yards
Chiefs +3.5 (Alternate line)
Even if the Chiefs do lose to Burrow for the fourth straight time, they’ll likely still cover this line. Their past two losses to the Bengals have been by just three points each, 27-24 both times.
Mahomes’ ankle is a worry, but he was excellent against Jacksonville after he returned. His injury could actually be a good thing considering how the AFC Championship went last year. The Bengals continually dropped eight or even nine guys into coverage and dared the Chiefs to run the ball or hit check downs.
We are counting on the Chiefs to stay within three points, which is a good bet for Mahomes’ led Kansas City teams. Since becoming the full time starter in 2018, the Chiefs have lost by more than three in just nine games across the five seasons.
1st half team total – Chiefs over 9.5 (Alternate line)
Lou Anarumo has Reid’s number, that’s becoming clear, but the Chiefs averaged 15.7 points in the first half this year and will still be able to make plays with a limited Mahomes.
The Bengals defense is becoming known for their second-half adjustments that shut teams down, that’s what happened last year, but the Chiefs have still been able to score some in the first half of these games.
Isiah Pacheco 55+ rush yards (alt line)
Pacheco might have been the most important addition that the Chiefs made this offseason. He gives them the option to become a physical, under center, between the tackles, running team for short stretches.
They didn’t have that last season and the Bengals dared them to run. This year they can. This season, Pacheco had 14 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown against Cincy.
Travis Kelce 65+ receiving yards (alt line)
Kelce is not just making his case as the best receiving tight end of all time, but he’s making his case as the best postseason receiver ever.
He’s third in career postseason receptions and third in receiving yards. He’s got a long way to catch Jerry Rice in those categories, but Julian Edelman is well within reach. He became Mahomes’ only option last week and finished with 14 catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE
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