Aaron Rodgers' COVID absence causes seismic line shift for Packers, Chiefs
Aaron Rodgers’ positive test result for COVID-19 prompted a global point-spread and total shift as the Green Bay Packers take their seven-game winning streak to Kansas City Sunday afternoon.
With Wednesday’s news that second-year pro Jordan Love will now start in Rodgers’ absence, Tipico Sportsbook altered the spread a staggering 6.5 points to establish the Chiefs as a 7.5-point favorite.
The over-under total slipped dramatically, too, from 54.5 points to 48.5 points.
What was supposed to be a remarkable showdown between Super Bowl winners, Rodgers and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, has taken on a much different appearance. A Chiefs’ triumph would continue their recovery from their sluggish, turnover-plagued start to the season.
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“The great quarterbacks have dramatic line shifts when they’re out — (Tom) Brady, (Peyton) Manning, Rodgers, etc.,” said Jay Kornegay, Race and Sports Book director of Las Vegas Superbook.
Returning MVP Rodgers has shredded defenses this season for 17 touchdowns and 1,894 yards with only three interceptions. His latest appearance was in Thursday’s road victory that knocked the Arizona Cardinals from the unbeaten ranks.
Rodgers could return to play in the Packers’ Nov. 14 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field if he remains asymptomatic.