The Kansas City Chiefs will visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in a matchup that brings two teams with vastly different seasons together. Kansas City (12-1) clinched the AFC West last week, marking their ninth straight division title. Meanwhile, Cleveland (3-10) is officially eliminated from playoff contention and is now playing for pride and development.
Despite their record, Cleveland has shown moments of promise, averaging over 378 yards per game during their last five contests. Kansas City, on the other hand, continues to find ways to win close games, with 10 of their 12 victories this season decided by seven points or fewer. Both teams have plenty to prove as they take the field at Huntington Bank Field.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City enters this matchup with plenty of momentum, having narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 last week. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been a steady presence, throwing for 249.4 yards per game this season. However, the Chiefs have not dominated opponents as they have in past years. Coach Andy Reid has emphasized staying focused, knowing the team has tough games ahead, including matchups with the Texans and Steelers within the next two weeks.
On offense, Kansas City relies on Mahomes and the dynamic duo of Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco. The defense, led by Chris Jones, has been solid but will face a test against Cleveland’s capable offense. The return of kicker Harrison Butker, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is a welcome boost as the Chiefs aim to maintain their top seed in the AFC.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are coming off a 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game that officially knocked them out of playoff contention. Despite their struggles, Cleveland’s offense has been productive in recent weeks, with Nick Chubb leading the ground game and Jameis Winston stepping in at quarterback. However, injuries have piled up, with key players like Myles Garrett, Joel Bitonio, and David Njoku either limited or sidelined.
Cleveland’s defense will need to step up to contain Kansas City’s high-powered offense. The Browns have struggled to stop opponents, giving up 25.8 points per game. Coach Kevin Stefanski has encouraged his team to fight for pride and finish the season strong, emphasizing the importance of individual and team development heading into the offseason.
Pick and Prediction
Kansas City is the heavy favorite in this matchup, and for good reason. The Chiefs have more firepower on both sides of the ball and are playing to secure the top playoff seed in the AFC. Cleveland has the ability to make this game competitive if they can protect the ball and sustain long drives, but their defensive struggles could be their downfall.
Expect Mahomes to take advantage of Cleveland’s injury-riddled defense, while Kansas City’s defense focuses on containing Nick Chubb. The Browns will put up a fight, but the Chiefs’ depth and experience should carry them to another victory.
- Prediction: Kansas City 28, Cleveland 17
