Mahomes faces Nix in AFC West clash with 1.5 point odds

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will face off on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. in a contest for the lead of the AFC West. The game airs on CBS, with the Chiefs favored by one and a half points. Both players are attempting to regain their form after suffering major injuries earlier in the year.

The Chiefs are currently 5-1 following a loss to the Seattle Seahawks last weekend. That defeat ended their perfect start to the season. Mahomes has not thrown a touchdown pass in two consecutive games for the first time in his career. His rushing average of 3.7 yards per attempt is also his lowest since becoming the team's starter in 2018.

The Broncos are 5-2 and have rebounded from a 31-10 opening loss at Kansas City. Nix is dealing with a 59.2% completion rate, which is the lowest of his three-year career. He is on pace for 267 rushing yards, down from his 393-yard average in his first two NFL seasons. Denver's defense has remained strong despite injuries to key players.

The Chiefs are relying on running back Kenneth Walker III, who averages 117 rushing yards per game. Walker is the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Tight end Travis Kelce is also contributing significantly with 14.3 yards per catch, the best average of his 14-year career. Denver coach Sean Payton noted that Kelce remains difficult to cover due to his ability to change direction and read defenses.

Denver's defense, led by Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto, has performed well even with starters Patrick Surtain II, Talanoa Hufanga, and Riley Moss dealing with injuries. Backup players have filled key roles for several weeks. The Broncos' offense found its rhythm after last week's 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, where Nix ran for a 62-yard touchdown.

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said the Broncos have improved their commitment to the run game compared to their first meeting. The teams played on September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium, where Kansas City won 31-10. The Chiefs lead the all-time series 74-59. Walker gained 173 rushing yards in that game, including 144 yards after contact.

Denver's interior linebacker Alex Singleton earned his first career AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance against Arizona. He recorded 19 stops in the 30-16 win. The Broncos have recorded multiple sacks in 20 consecutive home games, the fourth-longest streak in NFL history.

Sean Payton will coach in his 300th NFL game Sunday. A victory would make him the sixth-fastest coach to reach 200 wins in league history. Travis Kelce recently surpassed Tony Gonzalez for the most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history, including playoffs, with 15,143 yards.