Last Updated on September 19, 2010 3:42 pm by Anthony Rome
Chiefs vs. Browns Free Pick
One week after shocking the NFL by upsetting the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to start the season 2-0. They’ll take on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday at 1:00PM ET.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Browns 3-point favorites over the Chiefs for Sunday’s matchup. The over/under total has been set at 38.5 points.
The Chiefs Win If:
They play with as much fire and intensity as they did in their win on Monday night against the Chargers. In the first half, the Chiefs broke off a 56-yard Jamaal Charles touchdown run and a 94-yard Dexter McCluster punt return TD to help give them a 21-7 halftime lead. Granted, they didn’t score in the second half, but if KC can build off of the momentum that it gained in Week 1, they should have no problem beating the Browns. That said, what helped them against the Chargers is that they played nearly a flawless game. They didn’t turn the ball over and they committed only three penalties for 35 yards. They don’t have to play nearly as perfect a game against the Browns as they did last week against the Chargers, but it would certainly help.
The Browns Win If:
They can get the running game going again. In their 17-14 loss to the Bucs last Sunday, the Browns rushed for 104 yards on 23 carries, which was good enough for a 4.5 YPC average. Jerome Harrison rushed nine times for 52 yards, while Peyton Hillis finished with 41 yards on nine carries and one touchdown. The problem is that Cleveland turned the ball over three times, which helped contribute to the loss. If the Browns can establish their ground game and control this contest in the trenches, then there’s no reason they can’t win this game – whether it’s Jake Delhomme (who may be held out due to an injury) that takes the snaps or Seneca Wallace.
Prediction:
The Chiefs’ win over the Chargers was awfully impressive and there’s no question they played well definitely. But they also fed off a juiced up crowd – a crowd that will be several states away when KC plays this weekend. If the Browns can limit the big plays defensively and in the return game and not turn the ball over, then they should eek out a victory this Sunday. If they’re sloppy, then the Chiefs win this running away.
2010 NFL Free Pick: CLEVELAND BROWNS –3
BONUS PICK: UNDER 38.5