Browns at Chiefs
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV: CBS
Tipico line: Chiefs by 5 1⁄2 Browns’ keys to victory: The Cleveland pass rush can’t let the Chiefs’ new-look offensive line get comfortable. The Chiefs’ new starting unit, comprised of Orlando Brown Jr., Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith and Lucas Niang, allowed just four pressures and no sacks during the preseason. The Browns need production from pass rushers Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, but to get creative with blitzes so QB Patrick Mahomes and the offensive line don’t get comfortable.
Chiefs’ keys to victory: Kansas City will focus on stopping the run and force the Browns to be onedimensional. Being effective while running the ball is the key to making Cleveland’s offense go. It sets up short down-and-distance situations while opening up the playaction passing game for QB Baker Mayfield. The addition of DT Jarran Reed and Chris Jones’ position switch to defensive tackle could come into play here.
Matchup to watch: Chiefs LB Nick Bolton vs. Browns RB Nick Chubb. With second-year LB Willie Gay Jr. sent to injured reserve, Bolton, a rookie, will get a lot more play than he otherwise would have. While his run fits and zone coverage drops have been solid, if he is matched up in man coverage versus Chubb or Kareem Hunt, things could go awry for him.
Who wins? The Browns have been stewing all offseason over their AFC divisional round loss. The Chiefs, however, have felt the same way about getting embarrassed by the Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55. Expect them to take those frustrations out on Cleveland.
Chiefs, 38-24