Last season, the Cleveland Browns made their first postseason since 2002 and were on the verge of the AFC championship game.
With Patrick Mahomes sidelined due to a concussion, the game was there for the taking.
But the Browns came up short and were left to wonder what could have been for the long offseason.
Will the Browns get revenge in Arrowhead Stadium this time around?
Let’s take a look at our writer’s bold predictions for this Sunday’s matchup.
Writer: Rocco Nuosci
It won’t take any time at all for the Browns to receiver their first big test of the season.
Cleveland’s opener in Kansas City against the Chiefs may very well be their toughest game of the season.
The Browns defense, which saw a number of upgrades this offseason, will have their hands full.
Trying to limit Patrick Mahomes from finding Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce is easier said than done.
The Browns have the edge on the ground, however, and should use that to their advantage.
Long-scoring possessions and winning the turnover battle will be crucial if the Browns want to pull off the upset.
Unfortunately, Mahomes and friends may still be too much.
My Prediction: Chiefs 31, Browns 27
Writer: Wendi Oliveros
Well, here we go.
The Browns have no time to ease into this 2021 season.
They have to hit the ground running and passing and blocking.
Patrick Mahomes and the AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs await at Arrowhead.
Keys to the game are simple and were learned the hard way in January’s divisional playoff loss.
Get off to a quick scoring start, keep the pressure on Mahomes, and don’t give away free points or plays.
If the Browns do all of that, they will be victorious in short order.
In addition to going 1-0 and pulling off the upset, the Browns will win their season opener for the first time since the Jeff Garcia era of 2004.
The last time the #Browns won in Week 1:
– Jeff Garcia was QB
– It was Bush vs. Kerry 2004
– Motorola RAZR was huge
– 'Mr. 3000' set to release
– "American Idiot" set to release
– 'Desperate Housewives' set to debut
– We used AIM
– William Hung was viralhttps://t.co/P5Wliqk42D pic.twitter.com/27UmPTRBrF— Jeff D. Lowe (@JeffDLowe) September 13, 2020
My Prediction: Browns 27, Chiefs 20
Writer: Ben Donahue
Heading into Week 1 it’s clear, these are not your 2020 Cleveland Browns or Kansas City Chiefs.
Both teams tinkered and retooled in the offseason to contend for a championship this year.
For Kansas City, they had to address a leaky offensive line that was battered in their Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay.
Orlando Brown and Joe Thuney are just two of five new starters for a line that protects arguably the best quarterback in the game.
However, the Browns’ defensive line improved as well.
The team added Jadeveon Clowney, Malik Jackson and Takk McKinley among others.
With constant pressure from Clowney, Myles Garrett and friends, the KC line will have their hands full.
This is a nearly even match-up of two very good teams.
Since the game is at Arrowhead Stadium.
My Prediction: Chiefs 27, Browns 23
Writer: Pat Opperman
Forget about September records, opening day jinxes, and whatever else history says is inevitable.
The Kevin Stefanski era is all about upsetting expectations and starting anew.
Sure, the Browns will ask 5-6 first-year players (including 3 true rookies) to help control the top-ranked NFL offense.
But for absolutely no reason other than being filled with faith in the Browns, I think the whole defense comes up big.
Cleveland puts the league on notice with a hard-hitting, business-like team effort.
And Mahomes 20-0 dream is shattered right out of the gate.
Take the under (53) and the points (+6.5).
My Prediction: Browns 27, Chiefs 23
Writer: Mark Bergin
The Cleveland Browns are seeking redemption Sunday after getting knocked out of the playoffs last season by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Browns are also hoping to end their embarrassing streak of losing in season-opening games.
The 2004 season marked the last time the Browns won a season opener.
The Browns will have their hands full defensively stopping the Chiefs’ potent offensive attack led by Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
I believe the Chiefs will redeem themselves after failing to score a touchdown in Super Bowl. The Chiefs revamped their offensive line in the offseason.
While the Chiefs-Browns playoff game was close at 22-17, Mahomes’ concussion forced Chad Henne to play much of the second half.
I also believe the return of fans at full capacity will play a factor. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest venues in all of sports.
I believe the Browns will break their losing streak in season openers under head coach Kevin Stefanski, but it won’t happen Sunday.
My Prediction: Chiefs 31, Browns 24
NEXT: Cleveland Browns News And Notes 9/11/21
