The Kansas City Chiefs wrap up their 2021 NFL preseason as they host the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes made waves earlier this summer when he said that the only record he wants to break is for the Chiefs to go 20-0 and win the Super Bowl. While their preseason record won't contribute to that mark, they look like a good bet to finish with a perfect 3-0 record with NFL betting odds installing the Chiefs as 4-point home favorites at Arrowhead Stadium.
Here are our free NFL picks and predictions for the Vikings vs. Chiefs on Friday, August 27, with kickoff at 8 p.m. ET.
Vikings vs Chiefs game info
• Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
• Date: Friday, August 27, 2021
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: NFL Network
Vikings vs Chiefs odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Compare NFL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Check out the full line movement for this game
Vikings at Chiefs betting preview
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NFL weather info.
Key injuries
Vikings: Adam Thielen WR (Out), Alexander Mattison RB (Out), Anthony Barr LB (Out).
Chiefs: Tyreek Hill (Probable), Clyde Edwards-Hilaire RB (Questionable), Darrel Williams RB (Doubtful), Chris Jones DL (Questionable), Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (Doubtful), Frank Clark (Doubtful).
Find our latest NFL injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Vikings are 0-9 ATS in their last nine regular season and exhibition games. Find more NFL betting trends for Vikings vs. Chiefs.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
Mahomes has played 36 snaps so far in the preseason and Chiefs coach Andy Reid has said that the Chiefs starters will play in the first half against the Vikings. The Chiefs edged the 49ers by a field goal in their first preseason game this year before defeating the Cardinals 17-10 last week.
This will be their only exhibition game in Kansas City and they will be facing a Vikings squad that lost both of their tune-ups at home — including a 33-6 drubbing at the hands of the Broncos two weeks ago.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has said that he will play "some" starters in this contest, but it's worth mentioning that many of their top players including Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Patrick Peterson, Harrison Smith, and Anthony Barr didn't play in their previous contest, while Adam Thielen and backup RB Alexander Mattison have been officially ruled out.
Don't be surprised if "some" actually translates to few when you consider how many starters Zimmer chose to sit in that beatdown against Denver.
The Chiefs have a deep squad with plenty of talented players fighting for the last few roster spots on both sides of the ball. That includes the quarterback position, where rookie Anthony Gordon was already cut despite completing all seven of his throws in his last game. Veteran Chad Henne is the incumbent backup but is being pushed hard by rookie Shane Buechele who has looked sharp in preseason action.
Meanwhile, Minnesota's backup passers, Kellen Mond and Jake Browning, have looked shaky, combining to complete just 44.2 percent of their passes for 4.4 yards per pass attempt over their first two games. With the Chiefs at home, take them to win and cover.
PREDICTION: Kansas City -4 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Vikings offense has looked absolutely anemic this preseason, with Minnesota scoring just 16 points and seven of those coming off a defensive touchdown last week. That said, their defense played much better, limiting the Colts to 12 points.
The Chiefs offense has looked much more fluid but isn't exactly setting the preseason world on fire either, scoring 19 points against San Francisco and 17 versus Arizona. However, they held those foes to 13 points per game.
With the total for this game opening at 34.5 and moving to 38.5, go against the line movement and grab the Under.
PREDICTION: Under 38.5 (-110)
Vikings vs Chiefs betting card
- Kansas City -4 (-110)
- Under 38.5 (-110)
Picks made on 8/26/2021 at 10 a.m. ET
Did you know that if you parlayed this week’s NFL Vikings vs. Chiefs picks, you could win $26.45 on a $10 bet?
Use our NFL parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on the NFL?
You can bet on NFL odds at every online and casino sportsbook, including NFL moneylines, spreads, Over/Under totals, and a ton of NFL prop odds. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on NFL odds in your area.
