An interesting AFC Divisional round matchup is set for Sunday, January 17, 2021, when the Cleveland Browns (11-5) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (14-2). Cleveland is the sixth seed and upset the third seed Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card. Kansas City is the top seed in the AFC and had a bye last week. This game will air live on CBS at 3:05 p.m. EST.
Cleveland is into the second round for the first time since the 1994 season and will look to make it to their first Conference Championship since 1989.
Kansas City is playing in the Divisional round for the fifth time in the last six season and will look to advance to their third straight AFC Championship game.
These two teams have never met in the playoffs.
Below is my best bet for the Divisional round action between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. All lines are from SugarHouse Sportsbook.
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5): O/U 55.5 (-109/-112)
Last time out, Cleveland visited the Pittsburgh Steelers and left with a 38-27 victory. The final score is not an indication of how good the Browns played in this one as they led 28-0 after the first quarter and 35-10 at the half. It looked like Pittsburgh was going to drive and make it a one score game in the fourth quarter, but Mike Tomlin made one of the worst coaching decisions in recent memory when he punted on 4th & 1 and Cleveland took advantage. Baker Mayfield went 21/34 for 263 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Kareem Hunt rushed the ball eight times for 48 yards and two touchdowns and Jarvis Landry hauled in five balls for 92 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Browns allowed 553 total yards and forced five Steelers turnovers, four interceptions and one lost fumble.
Kansas City had a first round bye and are coming off a 38-21 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. The Chiefs did not play their starters in this game, so Patrick Mahomes and company will be in action for the first time in three weeks come the Divisional round.
Series History: Kansas City has won four of the last five meetings and leads the all-time series 13-11-2.
Game Prediction: I like Kansas City -9.5 to win by 2+ touchdowns and continue their march to their second straight Super Bowl.
2020-2021 NFL Season Picks Results: 65-49-2