NFL Betting Blog: Chiefs Depth Chart After Pacheco Injury; Kareem Hunt Reunion?

Although Kansas City is off to a 2-0 start, its running back room took a hit. With Isaiah Pacheco suffering a fractured fibula in Sunday’s victory over the Bengals, the Chiefs’ depth chart will look quite different for the foreseeable future. It might include a reunion with former Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. Let’s assess the effect of Pacheco’s injury for betting purposes, along with the latest on Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring), who’s yet to suit up this season.

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chiefs depth chart: Pacheco injury analysis

While the duration of Pacheco’s absence is unknown, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that he would be “out for weeks” and “likely placed on injured reserve,” which clarifies he will miss at least four games, with the expectation being as many as two months. Fellow insider Tom Pellisero also added that the Chiefs are bringing in former Kansas City RB Kareem Hunt for a visit, opening the door for a reunion:

Pacheco compiled a 75% snap rate thus far, with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine splitting the leftovers. Considering Steele has received all nine carries between the two, he appears to be the most viable option for player props. Kansas City could also opt to sign another tailback, including former Chiefs RB Jerrick McKinnon, which would complicate the workload even more.

The Chiefs claimed Perine off waivers just before the season began. His lack of involvement could be correlated with him still learning the offense.

Ahead of Kansas City’s Week 3 matchup in Atlanta, betting markets for Steele and Perine will populate in the BetFinder below.

Steele Props

Perine Props

tee higgins injury update

As noted, the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver missed his second straight game. Higgins’ status is unknown for their Week 3 contest against Washington. Cincinnati is a Cincinnati Bengals +7.5 (-117) on BetRivers favorite.

Unlike in the season opener, Joe Burrow and Co. were humming along without Higgins during their last-second loss to the Chiefs. Veteran tight end Mike Gesicki was a critical factor in the passing game, reeling in a team-high seven receptions (via nine targets) for 91 yards. Second-year wideout Andrei Iosivas benefited from Higgins’ absence, with his two catches going for touchdowns.

If Higgins is in street clothes for the Bengals’ upcoming Monday Night Football affair, both should have a role in the offense yet again. But be mindful of the game script. If the Bengals are not in a back-and-forth game with the Commanders, like they were against the Chiefs, their production will take a hit.

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