Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons odds, expert picks, how to watch: Chiefs hit the road for the first time

Late-game heroics resulted in victories for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. Overcoming an average outing from Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs dispatched the Bengals. Kirk Cousins delivered in the two-minute drill with a last-minute TD for the Falcons to avoid an 0-2 start. Sunday Night Football sees Kansas City as small favorites over Atlanta.

It's encouraging the Chiefs won without Mahomes at peak performance. Two turnovers and only 151 passing yards in Week 2 were offset by Isiah Pacheco's 91 yards on the ground. A broken fibula is sidelining Pacheco for the foreseeable future. The new Chiefs backfield could feature rookie Carson Steele and re-signed practice squad veteran Kareem Hunt — returning to the Chiefs for the first time since 2018.

Rashee Rice handles a high volume of targets as the No. 1 receiving option for Kansas City. Travis Kelce's minimal contribution (four catches, 39 yards) should increase with the team's uncertain running game. The Falcons have solid numbers against the pass (seventh, 156 yards allowed per game). But Mahomes could pick apart a defense that ranks 25th in sack rate (5.6 percent) with only one forced turnover all season. Atlanta's front needs to bring consistent pressure.

Things clicked for Cousins with 241 passing yards and two touchdowns during Week 2. Taking more snaps under center after a shotgun-heavy Week 1, the veteran QB maintained better rhythm with the help of play-action against Philadelphia. Effective running with 150 yards on 23 carries from Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier supported Atlanta's renewed passing game.

As Cousins builds bonds with receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, Atlanta's game plan needs to integrate Kyle Pitts. Tight ends have lit up the Chiefs defense for 276 receiving yards in two games.

All odds from BetMGM . Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here .