Last week’s prop bets went 1-1 in the Saints/Eagles game and if it weren’t for that opening missed FG, our play on first score of the game to be anything but a TD would have hit. Bettors can’t live in the past though, so it’s on to tonight’s game between the Chiefs and Steelers.

Prop #1 - Dexter McCluster Total Receptions: Over 3.5 (+105) or Under 3.5 (-135)

It is tough to like much of anything the Chiefs have done this year, but one bright spot is the development of McCluster as a wide receiver. He is running sharper routes, stretching the field, and providing a great check-down option for KC QB’s. His speed and ability to run after the catch will keep him as a top target in this offense and with the running game likely to struggle tonight against Pittsburgh, McCluster will have to step up.

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McCluster has caught 29 passes in seven contests this season for 258 yards and one TD. More importantly for this prop though, is he has caught six passes in a game three times and eclipsed this number of 3.5 four times. He is coming off a poor performance vs. San Diego last week with only two catches and the Chiefs know they have to keep him more involved if they want to be successful. He had caught six passes in each of the previous two games before last week and with Pittsburgh likely shading their defensive schemes to stop Bowe and Charles, McCluster will find some room to operate.

Take over 3.5 receptions at +105

Prop #2 - Derrick Johnson Total Tackles (solo + assists): Over 7.5 (-115) or Under 7.5 (-115)

With the Chiefs listed as big dogs tonight, you have to expect that their defense will be getting plenty of playing time. Although Pittsburgh does like to stretch the field with their speed on the outside, they still don’t get away from their blueprint; running the ball and using the TE. That is where Johnson comes in as the linebacker should see plenty of work tonight.

In eight games this year he has a total of 65 tackles + assists for an average basically right on tonight’s number. However, he only failed to surpass 7.5 three times this year with last week being his worst performance yet with 5. Twice this season he has had 10 solo tackles and two of those three “unders” came against a Chargers team that has struggled on the ground all year.

Tonight, the Steelers won’t be afraid to run it right at Johnson and he will step up and perform. Like most of the Chiefs, Johnson has got to be fed up with all this losing and on the national stage again, they do not want to embarrass themselves. He may not be able to help KC score, but he will do all he can to make sure Pittsburgh doesn’t run away from them tonight.

Take the over.