AFC Wild Card 2018, Titans vs. Chiefs: Picks, predictions and odds

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Alex Smith
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Alex Smith /
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With the NFL regular season coming to a close, the Tennessee Titans will travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs in an AFC Wildcard matchup on Saturday.

There was a time during the 2017 NFL season where many believed the Kansas City Chiefs would squander their least in the AFC West. The Chiefs began the season as the only 5-0 team, but then played some incredible bad football during the middle of the season. At 6-6, the Chiefs welcomed the Oakland Raiders to Arrowhead Stadium, with first place in the division on the line, and they have not lost since.

Their opponent in the AFC Wild Card round will be the Tennessee Titans, who nearly fumbled their chance to play in the playoffs this season. Marcus Mariota has taken a bit of a step in the wrong direction in 2017, as he had thrown more interceptions than touchdowns, and has looked pretty bad at times. Tight end Delanie Walker has been his most consistent target all season long, catching 74 passes for over 1,000 yards on the year.

Kansas City bid farewell to legendary running back Jamaal Charles this offseason, and it was unclear who would step up in his absence. Rookie running back Kareem Hunt has done all of that and more, leading the NFL with over 1,300 rushing yards in 2017. The tandem of Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill have been explosive in the passing game, and quarterback Alex Smith has thrown for over 4,000 yards, with only five interceptions against 26 touchdowns.

Odds

Line: Kansas City Chiefs (-9.0)

Over/Under: 44.0

The Chiefs are big home favorites in this one, as they will be spotting the Titans nine points on Saturday. The over/under is set at 44.0, though it may be hard to hit that number, as the Titans offense has been atrocious at times this season. This line will change a lot throughout the week, so head on over to OddsShark.com for any changes up until kickoff.

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This one is going to be an ugly one, as the Chiefs are just way too good to be beaten at home by the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have stumbled their way into the playoffs, and the Chiefs are playing great football right now, as they have won four straight after falling to 6-6 early this season. Expect a very cold Arrowhead Stadium to be rocking on Saturday, and for Marcus Mariota to struggle in his first NFL Playoff start.

Final Score: Chiefs 30 Titans 17