Week 14: Chiefs-Browns preview
Kansas City at Cleveland
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland - TV: CBS; DirecTV: 709
*TV announcers: Bill Macatee, Steve Tasker
*Keys to the game: The critical battle for the Chiefs will be the early carries for RB Jamaal Charles in the ground game. With the passing game ineffective and Browns CB Joe Haden typically able to shut down his half of the field, Kansas City's ability to move the ball will be tied to Charles and the ground game. And most of his yards will likely come off the edge with Cleveland boasting a formidable inside tandem with DTs Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin locking down the middle. This will likely be a field-position tug of war. The Browns also want to run the ball heavily from the outset and put rookie QB Brandon Weeden in position for high-percentage passes. The rookie has shown solid development and possesses a rocket arm that makes WRs Josh Gordon and Greg Little dangerous over the top, but Weeden will still force a few passes per game. The Chiefs need to capitalize and generate turnovers for Kansas City to win on the road.
*Matchup to watch - Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas: Underrated stars at their positions due to playing on losing teams for much of their careers engage in a battle - particularly in the passing game - that could swing the momentum of the game. Hali is the Chiefs' premier pass rusher as he also creates opportunities for Justin Houston on the other side. If he can make a few impact plays working and Thomas, the Chiefs' offense can potentially get the shorts fields it desperately needs.
*Player spotlight - Browns FS Tashaun Gipson: Browns coach Pat Shurmur has touted Gipson's athleticism and ability to react on the ball as the secondary's last line of defense while also being a solid tackler in run support.
*Fast facts: Chiefs QB Brady Quinn was the No. 22 overall pick by the Browns in the 2007 NFL Draft. ... Charles has consecutive 100-yard rushing games for the first time since 2010.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Chiefs pulled off an emotional victory last week and have a real opportunity for their first consecutive victories of the season. Brady Quinn won't exactly make anyone in Cleveland regret letting him go, but he can protect the ball in an efficient passing game with the defensive focus on RB Jamaal Charles.
*Our pick: Chiefs 19-16
