Here is who national experts predict will win KC Chiefs at Cleveland Browns game
As they head into Sunday’s game in Cleveland, the Chiefs are just 11th in scoring this season, but they lead the league in one key statistic: third-down conversions.
When facing a third-down situation, the Chiefs have moved the chains 52% of the time, well ahead of second-place Tampa Bay (47.2%).
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is aware that stopping the Chiefs on third downs will be a key to winning Sunday.
“We’re going to have to rely a lot on our pass rush to make sure the plays can’t get extended and work in combinations of zone, man and pressures,” Schwartz said on the team’s website. “But that’s a huge matchup in this game is the ability to win on third down and they’ve done a good job all season.”
Can the Browns, 3-10, pull the upset against the Chiefs, 12-1? Some believe it’ll happen. Here is who 71 experts are picking in the game, which starts at noon and is being broadcast on KCTV (Ch. 5).
The Chiefs will win 23-19, says the Sporting News’ Bill Bender. Here is a snippet of his story: “Cleveland has committed three turnovers in each of its past three games, but the Browns have home upsets against Pittsburgh and Baltimore this season. The Chiefs take advantage of turnovers again, but the Browns hang around at home.”
A 24-18 Chiefs victory is the prediction from the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi. This is from his story: “Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs keep winning games in the final minute. They are 0-7 against the spread in the past seven games overall. Kansas City is the superior team, but the Browns have played better than their record.”
Picking the Chiefs are five writers at NFL.com: Ali Bhanpuri (25-20 final score), Brooke Cersosimo (24-19), Dan Parr (25-20), Gennaro Filice (24-17) and Tom Blair (26-20). Here is part of what Filice wrote: “I know what you’re thinking: Lady Luck MUST have other suitors! And given Kansas City’s ongoing problem at left tackle, Myles Garrett could be the single most terrifying opponent on the entire schedule. But picking against the Chiefs right now feels like questioning divine authority.”
The Chiefs are the choice for six of seven writers at the Athletic: Nick Kosmider, Josh Kendall, Larry Holder, Austin Mock, Tashan Reed and Ben Standig. Going with Cleveland: Chad Graff. This is from Steven Louis Goldstein’s story: “Like many good teams throughout the years, the Chiefs have been recipients of good fortune. Football Reference has their expected win-loss mark at 8-5. But Kansas City also bears the hallmarks of a steely squad built to win close games. They’re averaging the longest drives in the NFL, and they’re second in yards per carry allowed. The ground game gets a shot in the arm with Isiah Pacheco, who missed more than half the season with a fractured fibula. And All-Pro Chris Jones and ascendant Tershawn Wharton make for a dominant interior duo along the defensive line.”
Picking the Chiefs are seven USA Today writers: Jarrett Bell (24-20 final score), Chris Bumbaca (19-17), Nate Davis, Tyler Dragon (24-17), Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (20-10), Lorenzo Reyes (26-17) and Jordan Mendoza (26-24). This is what Mendoza wrote: “Kansas City is horrible at covering the spread. Even though they are better than the Browns on paper, the Chiefs still struggle to find their way toward a win.”
The Chiefs are the choice for all eight writers at CBS Sports: Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, Ryan Wilson, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, John Breech, Jared Dubin and Tyler Sullivan. Prisco predicts a 21-19 score. Here is an excerpt of his story: “They will find a way here as Jameis Winston turns it over a few times for point-blank scores. Chiefs win another close one.”
The Chiefs are the pick for eight of 11 ESPN experts: Stephania Bell, Mike Clay, Kalyn Kahler, Kimberly Martin, Jason Reid, Lindsey Thiry, Matt Bowen, Dan Graziano. Seth Wickersham, Jeremy Fowler and Moses Moody.
It’s a split decision from the Pro Football Talk writers. Mike Florio picked the Chiefs (23-20 final score), while Chris Simms is going with the Browns (24-20).
A Chiefs win is the call from six SB Nation writers: J.P. Acosta, James Dator, Brandon Lee Bowton, Jared Mueller, Mark Schofield and Matt Warren
Taking the Chiefs are five of the six Sports Illustrated writers: Albert Breer, Mitch Goldich, Gilberto Manzano, John Pluym and Matt Verderame. Picking the Browns: Conor Orr.
The Chiefs will win, say 10 Dallas Morning-News experts: Tim Cowlishaw, Joey Hayden, Kevin Sherrington, Abraham Nudelstejer, Craig Miller, Calvin Watkins, David Moore, Dana Larson, Damon Marx and Newy Scruggs.
Taking the Chiefs are five of seven Pro Football Network writers: David Bearman, Adam Beasley, Kyle Soppe, Mike Wobschall and Anthony DiBona. Picking Cleveland are Dakota Randall and Dan Tomaro.
This story was originally published December 15, 2024 at 6:02 AM.
