NFL Week 9: Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Cleveland Browns are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs in a week nine NFL battle on Sunday. The Chiefs sit atop the AFC standings while the Cleveland Browns look to be out of the playoff picture in the conference. The Chiefs defeated the Browns 17-13 in the last matchup between these two teams back in the 2015 season.

Kansas City brings a 7-1 record into this matchup with the Cleveland Browns, and are in first place in the AFC West. The Chiefs lone loss came to the New England Patriots during week six of the NFL season. Cleveland has won two games this season after going 0-16 a season ago. The Browns have beat the Ravens and Jets this season, and have also managed a tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cleveland Browns are an eight-point underdog against the Chiefs on Sunday.

The Cleveland Browns are starting to show signs of a decent football team on both sides of the ball. The Browns have given up 26.3 points per game this season, but they have some future stars on the defensive side of the ball. Rookie Denzel Ward has recorded three interceptions and one forced fumble in his first season with the Browns. Myles Garrett has racked up eight of the Browns’ 20 sacks this season.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown flashes of greatness this season, despite being very inconsistent. Mayfield has completed just 58% of his passes this season and has thrown for just 223 yards per game. Veteran running back Carlos Hyde has scored five touchdowns this season, but rookie Nick Chubb is averaging 6.1 yards per carry. The Browns offense has some interesting pieces that should continue to improve.

The Chiefs are the highest scoring team in the NFL this season, averaging 36.3 points per game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the league with 26 touchdown passes this season, and has thrown just six interceptions. Running back Kareem Hunt has scored ten touchdowns this season and is a weapon out of the backfield. Tyreek Hill is averaging 16.0 yards per reception this season and has scored 7 touchdowns. The Chiefs are loaded with weapons on offense.

Kansas City is in the bottom third of the league in team defense, but the Chiefs have shown improvement in recent weeks. The Chiefs are giving up 25.6 points per game, but they spend a ton of time on the field. Linebacker Dee Ford has recorded eight sacks and four forced fumbles to lead the Kansas City defense this season

The Browns are an improving team, but the poor start to the season cost Hue Jackson his coaching job. Cleveland will likely take a step back as they transition into playing for a new coach. The Kansas City Chiefs are one play away from being undefeated this season, and they have won at home and on the road. The Browns defense will be no match for Mahomes and company in this game. Bet the Kansas City Chiefs -8.0 over the Browns on Sunday.