The Chiefs open up the regular season with a home date against Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Very little separates the teams in the odds, so which team should we be taking with our NFL picks for Week 1?

Right now the lines vary depending on which sportsbook you’re looking at.

At some places, the Falcons are favored by a point, while the betting spread is at a PK at other outlets. The total for this opener at Arrowhead has dipped down to 40.5 from an opening number of 41.5.

As Kansas City enters the new season, it’s mainly going to be about how healthy the team can remain.

Injuries have always seemed to derail the Chiefs but things are shaping up quite nicely this season. Matt Cassel is back and healthy, while Jamaal Charles is likely to be ready for the beginning of training camp. The Chiefs also went after Peyton Hillis in free agency to replace the departed Thomas Jones.

Cassel also has a few weapons in the passing game to turn to, namely Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston and Dexter McCluster.

Week 1 for the Chiefs is mainly going to be how they cope with Matt Ryan and an extremely explosive offense. Will they be able to handle Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner?

Kansas City does have some talent on the defensive end, such as linebacker Tamba Hali and the excellent Eric Berry in the secondary. The franchise also went the defensive route in the draft, selecting tackle Dontari Poe with the eleventh pick.

The Chiefs seemed to adapt well under Romeo Crennel, who is both the head coach and defensive coordinator. They went 2-1 in the three games as interim coach, earning praise from his players and was subsequently offered the full-time gig.

We’ll see shortly if he can have the Chiefs competing for the AFC West crown.