Free Pick: Cleveland at Kansas City 9/12/21

This is a rematch between the Chiefs and the Browns playoff game of a year ago won by Kansas City 17-12. Cleveland is looking to build on their best season in many moons while the Chiefs are trying to reach the Super Bowl for the 3rd straight year in 2021. This is another very good opening week game. Let’s get to it.

Quarterback: Any quarterback is going to lose this matchup when he is going up against Patrick Mahomes. The Browns have Baker Mayfield who is a fiery leader and brings out the best in his teammates. But, as good as he is, he isn’t Mahomes. Advantage: Kansas City

Running Backs: The Browns have a great one-two punch in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt who combined for 2362 all purpose yards and 23 touchdowns. Kansas City counters with Clyde Edwards-Helaire who had a decent rookie season. Advantage: Cleveland

Receivers: The Chiefs have one of the most dangerous group of receivers in the NFL. They have the electric playmaking ability of Tyreek Hill (87 catches for 1276 yards and 15 touchdowns) and the best tight end in the NFL, Travis Kelce (105 catches for 1416 yards and 11 touchdowns. There is some concern after those two and what if one of them gets hurt. Cleveland will counter with Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr., and Austin Hooper which a lot of teams would be glad to have. Advantage: Kansas City

Offensive Line: The Browns offensive line returns intact and they have made huge improvements and have become a good and dependable unit. Kansas City made it a priority to upfront after Tampa Bay completely outplayed them in the Super Bowl. They signed Pro Bowler Orlando Brown and 2nd round draft choice Creed Humphrey will start at center. Advantage: Cleveland

Defensive Line: The Chiefs have Chris Jones at tackle and he is the anchor upfront. He had 28 hits on the quarterback and 7.5 sacks last year. There is some concern from the other positions. Cleveland has one of the best pass rushes in Myles Garrett and brought in Jadeveon Clowney, Malik Jackson, and Andrew Billings to help him from getting double-teamed. Advantage: Cleveland

Linebackers: Neither team has much to brag about at this position group. Advantage: Neither

Secondary: Kansas City forced 16 interceptions led by Tyrann Mathieu with six. Safety, Daniel Sorenson led the team in tackles with 91 and will be joined by Juan Thornhill. Cleveland overhauled their secondary in the offseason signing John Johnson III and Troy Hill away from the Rams’ top-rated defense of a year ago. They also will get back Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams who were injured and didn’t play at all in 2020. Advantage: Cleveland

Coaching: Browns’ coach Kevin Stefanski returns for his 2nd season and will try to, at the very least, duplicate his 12-6 record in his debut season. Time will tell how good of a coach he will be. That is not an issue with veteran coach Andy Reid at Kansas City. He is entering his 23rd season as a NFL head coach and has an overall record of 238-145-1. He is one of the greatest of all time. Advantage: Kansas City

After breaking this game down, the Browns stack up pretty well against the Chiefs. They have the ability to run the ball and try and play keep away from the Chiefs’ offense. If they can limit the big plays that Mahomes and Kansas City are famous for, they have a chance in this one.