Mid-Week Movement: COVID-19 Cases Shifting Chiefs-Chargers Line for Thursday Night Football
By Reed Wallach
The Kansas City Chiefs will be in Los Angeles on Thursday night against the Chargers in a massive AFC West matchup, but are likely going to be short handed.
The Chiefs placed star defensive lineman Chris Jones on the COVID-19 list on Monday, causing the line shift at WynnBET Sportsbook.
#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hasn’t ruled out DL Chris Jones and WR Josh Gordon for #TNF yet. Alluded to testing to come. (both in COVID protocol). Gordon won’t practice, either. https://t.co/qkHNNf8yII
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) December 14, 2021
It's key here that head coach Andy Reid didn't rule out Jones for Thursday night, but it appears unlikely that he will be able to play given the quick turnaround for this week.
The Chiefs defense has been the catalyst to their six game winning streak, posting the fourth best EPA/Play on defense. Jones is arguably the teams most important player with seen sacks on the year.
WynnBET moved the Chiefs from -4 road favorites to -3 on this news, especially given that this may be the beginning of an outbreak ahead of Thursday night. It's tough to predict these kind of moves, but the Chargers seem to be getting reinforcements as well with Keenan Allen set to return from the COVID-19 list after missing Week 14 against the Giants.
Chargers WR Keenan Allen has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, putting him on track to play Thursday against the Chiefs.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 14, 2021
This game will be pivotal for the AFC West race. The Chiefs hold a one game lead over the Chargers, but LAC won the first meeting between the two. The winner of this one will likely take the division crown.
Make sure to stay tuned at BetSided for more updates regarding Thursday Night Football.