Browns vs. Chiefs NFL Week 1 Picks and Predictions

The best matchup of the weekend sees a rematch of the divisional game from last season as Cleveland travels to take on the Chiefs at Arrowhead. That game was closer than many expected with the Chiefs coming out 22-17 after Patrick Mahomes went out of the game with a concussion.

Will that be reflected in the NFL odds? Let's check them out.

Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, September 12, 2021 - 04:25 PM EDT at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

It’s a new season and the Browns-hype has reached new heights this year after another solid draft and the free agency period has them looking even stronger coming into the year. I’m sure they’d have been happier with an easier start to the year but what a chance to put a mark on the year and show you’re worth the attention this year.

The spread line for this game is hovering between six and seven points depending on where you look for this one, so search around and make sure you’re getting the best odds, you want the Browns to take the seven points, the Chiefs, take the six. Don’t miss out on value.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzui-4FnhPI

Should You Take the Browns?

They made the divisional game last year without Odell Beckham for nearly the entire season, having him back strengthens a very solid-looking offense so they’ll be confident that area is even better for the coming season.

He comes back alongside Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper as well as sophomore Donovan Peoples-Jones who had some good performances to the end of last year.

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1435677518317633544?s=20

They will rely on a strong run game once again and Nick Chubb showed he was one of the best in the league last year averaging 5.6 yards per carrying in just over 1,000 yards last year and the combination of him and Kareem Hunt means they can keep them fresh and don’t need to worry too much if one goes down with an injury.

They added former 1st overall pick Jadeveon Clowney to give them a good-looking defensive front with DPOY candidate Myles Garrett alongside him and the drafting of Owusu-Komorah could prove to be great value at linebacker for them although guarding Kelce isn’t an easy start to his NFL career.

Baker Mayfield #6 and Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns on January 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Justin K. Aller/Getty Images/AFP

The Chiefs Always Start Well

Backing Andy Reid coming off extended rest is one of the easier choices in the NFL, the first three games of the last six seasons they’ve won 16 of 18 games and covered the spread in 14 of those. It’s his bye-week record on steroids.

Now this game won’t be an easy task, but the Chiefs are the rightful favorites for the AFC and I would expect them to win this game, but I expect them to win every game. They have the best player in the league and I don’t like trying to bet against his ability to get the ball to his main players.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1434909255866454018?s=20

I do have a little worry over how shallow the Chiefs are, they will rely a lot on Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce but they’re very good players to rely on racking up over 2,600 yards and 26 TDs between them last year.

There’s not much to say about them which hasn’t been said, they’re unstoppable when they’re on their game.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1435242203660566529?s=20

Running back is a bit of an issue for them, they’ll be hoping Clyde Edwards-Helaire is better in his second year but he’s had an interrupted off-season and it looks like his backup will be Jerrick McKinnon who could get more work than expected in this with Darrel Williams getting some snaps as well.

I think it’s whether the revamped Chiefs offensive line keeps Mahomes clean against a good pass rush. It should do, they’ve added some great talent there. If he isn’t running for his life then he should do the job against a good Browns defense.

The Pick

The total for this game has risen through the off-season and is now up to 54.5. I am struggling to pick the side on the spread. Maybe I’m drinking the cool-aid too much on the Browns but they could win it.

I will however be taking the under on this high total for my NFL pick in this one.

NFL Pick: (visit our Sportsbook Review)

*The pick reflects the line at the moment the writer made the play, the odds at the beginning of this article show the live line movement. Since the lines might vary, don’t forget to refer back to our live odds.