Money pouring in on Chiefs to cover against Raiders

Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Charmeachealle Moore (50) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (D. Ross Cameron/AP)

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is unable to make a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) defends in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct 15, 2017. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Ross Travis (88) and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (14) argue with several Pittsburgh Steelers players in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct 15, 2017. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) recovers a punt as Kansas City Chiefs running back Akeem Hunt (31) defends in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct 15, 2017. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines (23) and linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (57) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct 15, 2017. (Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports)

Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, center, is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers strong safety Adrian Phillips (31) and free safety Tre Boston (33) during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (D. Ross Cameron/AP)

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) against the Los Angeles Chargers during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (Ben Margot/AP)

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (Ben Margot/AP)

When the Chiefs opened as 2½-point favorites over the Raiders on “Thursday Night Football,” sharp bettors quickly pounced on Kansas City, which was moved to a 3-point favorite at Oakland.

That’s where the line has stayed at Las Vegas sports books as of Thursday afternoon, with the total at 46½ to 47.

“They’re all over Kansas City,” CG Technology sports book vice president Matt Holt said. “It makes sense. Kansas City is coming off its first loss, and they’re betting on them to try to rebound.

“I don’t know what to make of this Raiders team. They haven’t just lost four straight, they’ve looked terrible in losing four straight.”

Oakland hasn’t topped 17 points in any of its past four games, as its potent offense from last season has averaged 13 points during its four-game losing streak.

Westgate sports book manager Ed Salmons said the public also is all over the Chiefs, coming off a 19-13 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

“This is an absolute must-win for the Raiders if they want to have any season,” Salmons said. “But I’m not so sure they can do it.”

Salmons noted Oakland has the fewest offensive snaps from scrimmage this season in the NFL.

“That means either their defense can’t get off the field or they’re just playing so slow,” he said. “You watch the Raiders and they never throw the ball more than six yards downfield. If (former owner) Al Davis was watching, he’d probably be pretty upset because he liked the long ball.”

Despite Oakland’s 2-4 start, Wynn Las Vegas sports book director Johnny Avello still expects the Raiders to finish with nine wins and make the playoffs.

“By the end of the year, they’ll be OK. But, right now, they’re just not right,” he said. “And this is not an easy spot to get right.”

The trends support a play on Kansas City, which was won the past five meetings against Oakland and has won and covered its past 10 games as a road favorite.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on Twitter.