Browns could get boost from recent coaching turnover. Will it be enough against Chiefs?

The Kansas City Chiefs (7-1) and Cleveland Browns (2-5-1) kick off the second half of the season with a noon (Central time) kickoff on Sunday. The game matches two of most productive quarterbacks in Big 12 history, Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech) and Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma).

Kickoff: noon (Central), FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland

TV/Radio: CBS (Ch. 5)/KCFX (101.1 FM)

Line: Chiefs by 8.5

Blair Kerkhoff’s prediction: Chiefs 27-20

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams takes over on an interim basis with the firing of Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley earlier this week. A team can get an energy surge from a coaching change. Expect the Browns’ defense, which leads the NFL in takeaways, to give the Chiefs problems. In the end, however, the Chiefs have too many weapons, including a pair of Clevelanders in Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt playing in their hometown for the first time as pros. The Chiefs’ defense has come on strong lately and should kee Mayfield and company in check as Kansas City improves to 8-1.

Blair Kerkhoff

Blair Kerkhoff covers the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and college sports for The Star.