Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs 9/12/21 - NFL Picks & Predictions

The Cleveland Browns come into the 2021 season after an 11-5 record that ended against this Chiefs team. Cleveland will welcome back all 11 starters led by former #1 overall pick Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is surrounded by a host of weapons led by Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. Beckham and Landry will be the primary targets for Mayfield, while running back Nick Chubb carries the load for the ground game.

Cleveland has a rebuilt defense by Myles Garrett in the middle. Greg Newsome II was added to the roster from the draft and is expected to make an immediate impact, while Troy Hill who was signed in free agency will see a lot of week 1 snaps as well. Cleveland has the offense but the team will rely on the defense to determine the outcome of 2021.

Patrick Mahomes is back and that is the biggest key for this KC offense. Mahomes will again have weapons all around him with Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce leading the receiving corps. Second year back Clyde Edwards Helaire will lead the way from the backfield looking for another 1,000 yard season.

Kansas City has lost a lot of their defense from a year ago and will rely on the line led by Frank Clark and Chris Jones up front. Nick Bolton was drafted high by KC and is expected to make an immediate impact for a linebackers unit that has been lackluster in years past.