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Oddsmakers work tirelessly to adjust to where the public is betting their money, and odds will fluctuate throughout the week as we get closer and closer to game time. Whether it’s injuries, coaching decisions or simply a large volume of the handle going on a particular side, line movement is a significant part of the sports betting game. Especially in football with games spread so far apart, there can be big swings in the point spread, creating tremendous value for those who got in early or are waiting to get the best possible number.
We look at how the betting lines have moved since the matchup was set for the AFC title game as the Buffalo Bills travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs. All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
AFC Championship odds: Bills vs. Chiefs
Opening line: Bills -1.5, 50.5
Current line: Chiefs -2.5, 53.5
It is not at all surprising this line is moving big time. Patrick Mahomes suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Chiefs Divisional round win over the Browns. He did not return and Chad Henne finished out the game. Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid both sounded optimistic after the game, but the QB will have to go through the concussion protocol and not experience symptoms by the end of the practice week.
The Bills opened as favorites, but it took virtually no time for that line to swing. Bettors jumped on the Chiefs even without having new information about Mahomes. We won’t know more until later in the week, but if you could get the Chiefs as underdogs or even the slightest of favorites, it makes sense. If Mahomes does not get back for this game, so be it; but if he does, you’ve found considerable value.
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