Browns at Chiefs: KC will name the score . . . .

More reading to think about, it’s just information so make up your own mind & take it for what it's worth.

One question we've asked all year is who could give the Chiefs a run for their money. At one point during the season, the Browns were a popular candidate.

Now it's time to put up or shut up.

Cleveland meets Kansas City (-10, 57) in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday with a trip to the conference championship on the line. But the Browns must overcome the largest point spread of the weekend if they want to stun last year's Super Bowl winner.

Can they pull it off, or will they become the latest victim of a Chiefs rout? Let's dig into the preview for Sunday's divisional matchup.

Trends and results

The best teams in the league don't always make bettors the happiest. Kansas City is a prime example.

The Chiefs finished the regular season 14-2, yet have covered just one game since Nov. 8! The club is currently on a dreadful 1-7 run against the spread despite their win-loss record being the exact opposite over that span. Makes sense.

However, this is usually when head coach Andy Reid and Co. turn it up. Kansas City has covered four of the last five home games, and although the stadium won't hold maximum capacity, getting any sort of noise in those confines could make it tricky for a Cleveland squad that's just 3-12 ATS the last 15 versus the AFC.

The Browns enter the weekend No. 9 in DVOA offense a year after clocking in at No. 20. The franchise is certainly a suitable shootout partner: Cleveland's gone over the total in each of the last four against teams with winning records and four of the last five as 'dogs.

X-factor

Nick Chubb vs. Chiefs rush defense

Chubb's a tricky pick - if Kansas City goes up big early, he potentially becomes a moot point. The second-year back will have to leave his fingerprints on the game at some point, whether it's by making a statement on the ground in the opening drive or icing a win late with his ability to move the chains and eat up the clock.

The Chiefs can score at will, but their rush defense has been horrible in 2020. Only the Patriots were worse in this department, per DVOA.

Meanwhile, Chubb ranks No. 1 in rushing yards over expected per attempt, No. 2 in average rushing yards, and No. 4 in broken tackles for running backs this season. If Cleveland can stay within striking distance, Chubb is in for a monster day.

Thanks for the write-up Mac....leaning Browns...maybe Browns 1st half...

KC off 3 weeks off....might take a half to get in rhythm...

Is the weather a factor today? 

It really depends on what the NFL wants to happen.  Sadly.

I took Cleveland +10, if Im a sucker Im a sucker for big points...Cleveland running game, KC being lackadasial and are they able to "turn it on" at will like alot of KC backers think? IF they cover it will be first time in a long time at anyrate

@Memo22

 "Sad" that you are deluded like that---if I beleived everything was "rigged" @ fixed and scripted like so,me of you mugs I damn sure wouldnt even bet sports no more than I would be "wrasslin'"

@warrenator

 He's not the only one who is deluded at this point. Seen too many shady events happen over the many years. At this point betting a hundred or two on a game is entertainment hoping you picked the right side of the Vegas steam. Betting anymore than that is delusional at best

My X factor today is Le'Veon Bell. Always a versatile back, with Edwards Helaire out, it's a great opportunity for Bell who surely can smell a Super Bowl ring with this Chiefs team. KC 38 - Brownies 24