Chiefs Notes: KC Opens as 2.5 Point Favorites, Special Teams, Jon Stewart

Sep 29, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs kicker

(6) is congratulated by holder

(2) after kicking a field goal against the New York Giants in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a rundown of some of the news and notes out of and around Arrowhead this morning.

CHIEFS OPEN AS FAVORITES ON THE ROAD

Vegas opened betting by making the Chiefs -2.5 point favorites over the Titans. Generally, the home team receives a three-point bonus to account for home-field advantage, so this means Vegas thinks the Chiefs are better than the Titans by 5.5 points.

Part of this line is based on the injury to Titans quarterback Jake Locker, who injured his hip last Sunday against the New York Jets. However, the Titans will start a Chief killer in Ryan Fitzpatrick in his place. Fitzpatrick is 4-1 in his career against the Chiefs, throwing for 824 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Despite Fitzpatrick’s success against the Chiefs, Vegas seems confident KC is the better team. We’ll see if this line moves much between now and the weekend.

PERFECT START BEGAN AT THE TOP

A great deal of the Chiefs early success has come from the two big hires made by Clark Hunt at the end of last season. John Dorsey and Andy Reid have been critical in reshaping the roster, identifying and utilizing existing talent, and preparing the Chiefs for a more modern game.

Reid Ferrin says the ability for Dorsey and Reid to work together effectively is why the Chiefs are in the position they are now.

"[T]he closeness of the Chiefs, beginning at the top, also benefits the organization and its worldwide fan base.“Clark has this vision,” Dorsey shared. “I think it’s between Mark Donovan, myself and Andy, what we do with the vision is we take it out and share that with everybody, knowing that we have this ‘We’re all in this thing together’ mindset.”"

JON BALDWIN FINALLY ACTIVE FOR 49ERS

Former Chiefs first round draft pick and wide receiver Jon Baldwin made his first appearance as a 49er last Thursday in San Francisco’s win over St. Louis. He caught two passes in his debut.

“You never know when you’re going to get the opportunity and you have to make the most when you do get the opportunity,” said Baldwin.

A.J. Jenkins, who was the Chiefs haul in the trade, has been active in all four games but has just one catch on the season.

CHIEFS REFERENCED ON “THE DAILY SHOW”

Jon Stewart referenced the Chiefs demolition of Stewart’s favorite team, the Giants, in Monday’s episode of “The Daily Show” to help him make his point about the government shutdown. KC’s involvement was more in graphic form, but it was still cool.

You can watch the bit here.

REID SAYS PUNT PROTECTION ISSUES WILL BE RESOLVED

Kansas City had yet another punt block last Sunday to add to the growing concern about the punt protection. Dustin Colquitt was injured on the play, a loss the Chiefs cannot afford, so the need to fix the problem covers more than just field position.

Terez Paylor says Andy Reid plans on getting the issue resolved.

"“We have got to make sure we take care of that,” Reid said. “I know (special teams coach Dave) Toub is on it.”“That was an impressive little stunt they had going,” Reid said. “We have to do a better job there. Communication becomes a factor when you pass things off.”"

Reid notes that all the turnover on the 53-man roster has played a part into the issue.