Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs Preview: Top Contenders Meet in Potential AFC Championship Game Preview

In what may be the top matchup of Week 1, the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns. It is no surprise that Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are once again favored to take the AFC crown and win a second Super Bowl in three seasons. But one of their chief competitors is expected to be their Week 1 opponent, which is quite the sight after many years of suffering for the Browns. But after the franchise’s best season in almost two decades, the Browns are one of the NFL betting favorites for the AFC title, along with the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens.

The Browns have made all the right moves this offseason and are looking to build on last year’s success, which saw them make the playoffs and knock off the Steelers. They should be better on offense and defense, which could see them win the AFC North for the first time in the division’s existence.

Kansas City enters this season with a chip on their shoulder after losing Super Bowl LV to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in ugly fashion. They are looking for an improved offensive line to help them dominate more this year and avoid as many close games as they had last season.

Cleveland Browns (0-0) vs Kansas City Chiefs (0-0), CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET

Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Cleveland Browns +198
• Kansas City Chiefs -240

Total

• OVER 54.5 (-110)
• UNDER 54.5 (-110)

Spread

• Cleveland Browns +5.5 (-110)
• Kansas City Chiefs -5.5 (-110)

Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:41 a.m. ET. Want to see betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for the day’s other NFL matchups? Check out our NFL odds.

Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs NFL Betting Consensus

Moneyline

• 0% Cleveland Browns
• 100% Kansas City Chiefs

Total (at O/U 54.5)

• 0% OVER 54.5
• 100% UNDER 54.5

Spread (at +/-5.5)

• 20% Cleveland Browns +5.5
• 80% Kansas City Chiefs -5.5

Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs Betting Outlook

The Browns are deserving of their preseason buzz. This is a good team on both sides of the ball, and they have especially gotten better on defense in the offseason. When they have the ball they have one of the best rushing attacks in the league, and quarterback Baker Mayfield got better last year at distributing the ball and not making mistakes. This might be a game they need him to win, not just manage though.

To beat the Chiefs you have to be able to make Mahomes uncomfortable. With Myles Garrett on one end and Jadeveon Clowney on the other, the Browns should be able to do that. Changes at the backend should also make them better able to cover the myriad of weapons Mahomes has at his disposal. The emphasis is on should. When it comes to defending the Chiefs, lots of teams think they have the strategy and or personnel, until they learn they don’t.

Chiefs Looking to Erase Super Bowl Loss Memory

Even though they were champs the year before the Chiefs were pretty unhappy to fall to the Bucs in February, especially because they feel a lack of offensive line depth left them with little chance to compete. That was the focus of the offseason and if they have patched it up appropriately, or improved, the offense will be in great shape.

The Chiefs' defense has been good enough over the last couple of seasons. This is a serious test as Cleveland is one of the best running teams in the league and Mayfield is more than capable of working with the weapons around him. They have to put pressure on him to make their defense work. Then guys like safety Tyrann Mathieu can make big plays all over the field. If not the Browns will grind down the Chiefs and keep this one close throughout.

NFL Betting Trends to Consider for Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

• Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog.
• The Browns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• The Browns are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games in Week 1.
• Kansas City is 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games in September.
• The Chiefs are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite.
• The Chiefs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs Best Bets

Over 54.5

I know the consensus is on the under, but with the way preseason is played these days, I think there is an advantage for the offenses early in the season. Both of these teams have different strengths offensively, and I expect both to move the ball with relative ease and convert drives into points. Kansas City will have a number of quick-strike drives while Cleveland will be more methodical. The gameplay might be different, but this game will look a lot like what we saw from the Buccaneers and Cowboys on Thursday night.

Score Prediction

Kansas City Chiefs 33, Cleveland Browns 27