Predictions for Chiefs' Week 15 matchup vs. Browns

KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 9: Running back Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks free from defensive end Courtney Brown #92 of the Cleveland Browns for a first down in the fourth quarter November 9, 2003 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 41-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns with their eyes still focused on the top seed in the AFC. Unlike any other season, Sunday’s matchup begins a unique three-game scheduling stretch that will challenge the team’s endurance.

The offense has been criticized for its lack of explosive plays. They will face a talented Browns pass rush led by Myles Garrett. Patrick Mahomes will use more deep ball chances while also completing underneath throws to Travis Kelce, who will take advantage of the openings in the middle as usual. The running game balance will help set up those plays down the field for DeAndre Hopkins and Xavier Worthy.

Defensively, there will be more chemistry with the defensive line since the return of Charles Omenihu, as the secondary had an excellent chance to get takeaways. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston has played well this season but still tends to turn the ball over—an impactful team victory for the AFC West champions before returning to Arrowhead Stadium on a short week.

Final score: Chiefs 35, Browns 13

Running back Christian Okoye of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won the game, 34-0.

The Browns might not be contenders this year, but the Chiefs always have a hard time beating teams who have nothing to lose. A win over Kansas City would mean a lot for Cleveland’s coaching staff, which needs a signature win to lift the Browns back to relevance, even if only for one week.

Patrick Mahomes may find it difficult to operate against Cleveland’s ferocious pass rush, and with newly acquired left tackle D.J. Humphries listed as doubtful for Week 15, the Chiefs will certainly face their share of adversity on the road at Huntington Bank Field this afternoon.

Expect another close game that comes down to a final drive by Mahomes in the fourth quarter.

Final score: Chiefs 21, Browns 18

Sep 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs have not managed to produce any landslide victories this season, flying in the face of high expectations that had been placed on their offense after two consecutive Super Bowl victories.

While it is probably not in the cards for Kansas City to blow out Cleveland today, the Chiefs are still likely to get a win over the 3-10 Browns.

Though Kansas City’s defense has been able to contain much stronger opponents than the Browns this season, quarterback Jameis Winston has shown flashes of brilliance since taking over under center in Cleveland. The former Heisman Trophy winner’s abilities shouldn’t be discounted, despite the Browns’ abysmal record.

Final score: Chiefs 21, Browns 13

Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell (17) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tyson Jackson (94) and outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

I’m back to predicting blowouts despite having no evidence that the Chiefs are physically capable of scoring more than 30 points.

The Buffalo Bills did Kansas City a huge favor by losing their Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, and Patrick Mahomes will be keen to capitalize on every opportunity he has to add to the Chiefs’ lead for the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed—and the bye week and home-field advantage that comes with it in January.

Expect Mahomes to outduel Cleveland’s swarming secondary and lead Kansas City to a convincing win.

Final score: Chiefs 35, Browns 7

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs directs the offense against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)