In a rematch of last season's AFC Divisional Round matchup, we get the Browns visiting the Chiefs in Week 1. It’s time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Browns-Chiefs prediction and pick.
In January, the Chiefs barely defeated the Browns, 22-17, after Patrick Mahomes was injured but Chad Henne preserved the lead. Now heading into the 2021 season, both teams have their eye on the Super Bowl. The Chiefs are aiming to make their third consecutive appearance to the big game, while the Browns have never made the Super Bowl in franchise history. But after years of losing, it's great to finally see a winning football team in Cleveland. This game gets the “afternoon primetime” slot (4:25pm EST) to watch this amazing quarterback matchup: Baker Mayfield versus Patrick Mahomes.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday's matchup.
NFL Odds: Browns-Chiefs Odds
Cleveland Browns (+205)
Kansas City Chiefs (-245)
Over 54 1/2 points (-117)
Under 54 1/2 points (-103)
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Why The Browns Could Win
The Browns entire 2021 with one of the league's best offenses and defenses. On offense, Cleveland is led by Baker Mayfield, the former Oklahoma star who really emerged for the Browns last season. He has the chance to be in the MVP conversation this year, especially if the wins come as expected.
With Odell Beckham, Jr. returning from 2020's ACL injury, Mayfield has his top receiving target back on the field. I expect a bounce-back year from Jarvis Landry as well, including a touchdown in this game in Kansas City. In the backfield, Nick Chubb is one of the best running backs in the league and will help to take some of the pressure off Mayfield. The defense is anchored by Myles Garrett, who will get to Mahomes early and force him into many rushed throws similar to how Mahomes performed in the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.
Just as we saw the dominant Bucs defense shutdown the Chiefs seven months ago, I see the Browns defense taking command in a similar way. With a three touchdown game by Mayfield and a defensive effort that sees the Chiefs held to under 20 points, the Browns have all the ingredients needed to kickoff Week 1 with a victory
Why The Chiefs Could Win
The Chiefs are huge favorites here on the moneyline and rightfully so. They've won the AFC crown the past two seasons and Patrick Mahomes is still the best quarterback in football. We know how good the offense can be, with superstars such as Travis Kelce also lined up next to Mahomes on a dynamic Chiefs team.
After winning the Super Bowl in February 2020 and winning 14 games en route to another Super Bowl appearance last season, this team brings back most of the same roster, and especially the same mindset – win another title. The fact that this Chiefs team beat the Browns in the playoffs last year after Mahomes went down with an injury says a lot about good this team is as a whole. Anytime a team has Patrick Mahomes, that team is a good bet to win the football game.
Final Browns-Chiefs Prediction & Pick
Looking for revenge after last season's heartbreaking playoff loss, Baker Mayfield leads the Browns to an upset victory in Kansas City. OBJ and Jarvis each connect for a touchdown as the Browns sneak by the Chiefs, 27-24. Although Mahomes throws for over 350 in another spectacular game, the Browns defense gets a huge stop late in the game to give Cleveland the victory.
FINAL PICK: Browns MONEYLINE (+205)
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