CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The road to Los Angeles for the Browns starts where the 2020 season of dreams ended – Kansas City.
Coming off their first playoff season in 18 years, expectations in Cleveland are as high as they’ve been in decades. 2020 NFL coach of the year Kevin Stefanski aims to keep his team focused as the navigate the newly expanded 17-game schedule to pursue their first ever AFC North title and first division crown since 1989.
As for the Chiefs, they begin their quest to join the Dolphins, Bills and Patriots as the only clubs to reach three straight Super Bowls against one of their greatest threats – the Browns. Andy Reid has never lost to the Browns, he’s 8-0 – 4-0 with KC and 4-0 as head coach of the Eagles.
What to watch for – With all 11 offensive starters returning in 2021, much is expected of Baker Mayfield in his fourth NFL season. Mayfield led the Browns to the playoffs thanks to a strong second half of the season that saw him complete nearly 64% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and one interception. He joined Peyton Manning as the only players in NFL history to throw for at least 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.
Odell Beckham Jr. will be a gametime decision. Beckham, who is coming off a torn ACL in Week 7 of the 2020 season and surgery in early November, has five seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards since 2014, which is tied for the fourth-most in the NFL. Assuming he plays Beckham aims for his third in row against the AFC West with five or more catches and at least 85 yards. Should Beckham be unable to go, the Browns are loaded with plenty of help at receiver led by Jarvis Landry, who led the team in catches (72) and receiving yards (840) in 2020 to become the first player with 70+ catches in each of his first seven seasons.
Kicker Chase McLaughlin’s hamstring injury that popped up Friday could present a problem. Chris Naggar was elevated from the practice squad Saturday making him eligible to be called upon if needed. McLaughlin “won” the job after incumbent Cody Parkey suffered quadriceps injury landing him on IR and leading to his subsequent release.
The Browns rebuilt defense, which features six new starters including three on the defensive line, faces a tough test right out of the gate going against former NFL and Super Bowl MVP QB Patrick Mahomes, who finished second in passing yardage a year ago. Cleveland will have its hands full trying to contain the dynamic trio of receiver Tyreek Hill, tight end Travis Kelce and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The trio combined for 3,915 yards from scrimmage and 33 touchdowns in the regular season a year ago. Cornerback Greg Newsome II was drafted, defensive end Jadeveon Cowney, safety John Johnson III and linebacker Andrew Walker were signed in free agency to help slow down offenses like the Chiefs.
Kansas City rebuilt their entire offensive line this offseason and feature five new starters up front. Can Garrett along with Clowney apply consistent pressure to contain and get home on Mahomes?
The Chiefs activated safety Tyrann Mathieu from Reserve/COVID Saturday making him eligible to play but it remains to be seen if he will go after being inactive for a week. Mathieu led all safeties with a career-high six interceptions in 2020 and since 2019, he ranks third in the NFL with 10 picks.
Last Week – Regular season opener for both teams
The last time – January 17, 2021 AFC Divisional round: Chiefs 22, Browns 17
Series history – Chiefs lead 11-13-2 in the regular season, 1-0 in the playoffs
Rankings – Audacy NFL Week 1 power rankings: Browns No. 6, Chiefs No. 1
Points per game: Browns 14 (25.5), Chiefs 6 (29.6)*
Total yards per game: Browns 16 (369.6), Chiefs 1 (415.8)*
Rushing yards per game: Browns 3 (148.4), Chiefs 16 (112.4)*
Passing yards per game: Browns 24 (221.2), Chiefs 1 (303.4)*
Points allowed per game: Browns 21 (26.2), Chiefs 10 (22.6)*
Total defensive yards allowed per game: Browns 17 (358.4), Chiefs16 (358.3)*
Rushing yards allowed per game: Browns 9 (110.8), Chiefs 21 (122.1)*
Passing yards allowed per game: Browns 22 (247.6), Chiefs 14 (236.2)*
Turnover ratio: Browns 9 (+5), Chiefs 8 (+6)
(* Indicates final 2020 regular season rankings)
Projected starters for Browns – Offense: WR Jarvis Landry, LT Jedrick Wills Jr., LG Joel Bitonio, C JC Tretter, RG Wyatt Teller, RT Jack Conklin, TE Austin Hooper, WR Odell Beckham Jr., QB Baker Mayfield, RB Nick Chubb, FB Andy Janovich
Defense: DE Myles Garrett, DT Malik Jackson, DT Andrew Billings, DE Jadeveon Clowney, WILL Mack Wilson, MIKE Anthony Walker Jr., SAM Sione Takitaki, CB Denzel Ward, CB Greg Newsome II, SS Ronnie Harrison Jr., FS John Johnson III
Injury report – OUT: G Michael Dunn (back), LB Tony Fields II (illness); QUESTIONABLE: DE Jadeveon Clowney (illness), WR Odell Beckham Jr.
(knee), S Grant Delpit (hamstring), S Ronnie Harrison Jr. (ankle), C J.C.
Tretter (knee), K Chase McLaughlin (hamstring); EXPECTED TO PLAY: WR Rashard Higgins (hamstring), CB Troy Hill (hamstring), CB Greedy Williams (groin), LB Sione Takitaki (hamstring)
Uniforms – White jerseys, orange pants
Broadcast – Radio: 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX and the University Hospitals Cleveland Browns radio network. TV: WOIO TV-19 (CBS)
Kickoff – 4:25 p.m., Arrowhead Stadium; Kansas City, Missouri.
Our prediction – Chiefs 38, Browns 34
