NFL Sportsbook Playoff Betting Odds, Predictions & Picks: Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs (14-2 SU, 6-9-1 ATS) and the Browns (12-5 SU, 7-10 ATS) are opening Sunday’s slate of divisional round playoff games. The defending Super Bowl champions are coming off a bye in the previous round earned with the best record in the regular NFL Sportsbook betting season.
The Browns made franchise history the previous NFL Sportsbook playoff betting weekend. The win against Pittsburgh was their first playoff victory after more than 25 years. This is the 27th meeting between the two teams. Kansas City holds the edge, 13-11-2. The last time they met, in 2018, the Chiefs won on the road 37-21.
NFL Sportsbook Playoff Betting Line Movement For The Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs
We rarely get to see double-digit favorites in the divisional round. Yet, after a fantastic season, the Chiefs are favored by -10 despite their dismal ATS record. The line hasn’t seen much movement all week.
The NFL Sportsbook betting oddsmakers expect a high-scoring NFL Sportsbook playoff betting game on Sunday, so the total is set at 57. It opened at 55.5, but a lot of action on OVER moved it up since then.
Notes On The Cleveland Browns
Last week Cleveland stunned Pittsburgh with an early 28-0 lead. It was mostly thanks to some inexplicable mistakes from the Steelers, but also due to excellent defensive plays from the Browns. The defense, depleted by injuries and Covid-19, managed to force four interceptions. The offense wasn’t too shabby, either. Nick Chubb and Kareem hunt were unstoppable with the ball in their hands. Baker Mayfield connected well with his receivers, throwing for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sunday game will be a whole different proposition, though. They’ll face probably the best team in the league and Super Bowl favorites. Still, they do believe that anything is possible. Establishing the running game will be the key. If successful, the Browns will keep Mahomes off the field longer and give themselves a shot at winning. The lineup will be stronger than last week. Several starters, including star guard Joel Bitonio, are coming back. Also, head coach Kevin Stefanski will return to the sidelines.
The Browns will live and die with their running in this game. So, we can expect plenty of touches for Nick Chubb. He’s proven to be matchup-proof and could post big numbers on Sunday. KC’s defense is tough against passing and have allowed only 235 yards per game through the air. Baker Mayfield is capable of having a solid game against anyone, but there are better QB options elsewhere.
Notes On The Kansas City Chiefs
At this point, there’s nothing new we can say about the Chiefs. They’re near the top of the league by almost any metric. When Patrick Mahomes is turned on, they’re practically unstoppable. The Browns are only 25th in the league against the pass and Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and co should have plenty of chances to score. However, to give them a chance to do their thing, the defense will have to step up. Especially against the run. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are probably the best RB duo in the league. If given a chance they could turn this NFL Sportsbook playoff betting game upside-down.
Cleveland’s secondary isn’t very good and they were repeatedly torched by Big Ben last week. All the more reason to have Patrick Mahomes as the first name on your fantasy team sheet this week. Tyreek Hill, the human cheetah, is also on a tear this year. He should get double-digit targets on Sunday and is another elite fantasy option. Similar can be said for Travis Kielce. Particularly since the Browns are the fourth-worst defense against tight ends.
NFL Sportsbook Playoff Betting Picks And Prediction: Cleveland Browns +10
Historically, coming off a bye is not that big of an advantage in the divisional round. Since 2007, No1 seeds are only 9-17-2 ATS in these NFL Sportsbook playoff betting games. And the Chiefs are notoriously bad a covering the spread this year. They’ll probably win this game, but the +10 spread seems way too high.
