Last week, the Browns sacked Ben Roethlisberger eight times and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. No matter what the Browns do the rest of the season, nothing can top that game.
This week, the Browns are out to show that their efforts against the Steelers weren't merely a factor of the current struggling state of Pittsburgh, but rather an improving Cleveland team. This game will be blacked out for fans in the Kansas City area, the first time that's happened there since 1990 I believe.
| CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-11) | WEEK 15 | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-10) | |||
 | VS. |  | |||
| Date: | December 20, 2009 | Location: | Kansas City, MI |
| Time: | 1:00 p.m. ET | Stadium: | Arrowhead Stadium |
| TV: | CBS | Favorite: | Chiefs by2½ |
| Radio: | WTAM, 1100 AM | Over/Under: | 37 |
| SBN Coverage: | Arrowhead Pride | Announcers | Ian Eagle & Rich Gannon |
Position-by-Position Breakdown
| Pos | Adv | Reason |
| QB |  | Matt Cassel hasn't turned out to be a wise investment for the Chiefs. As Ryan Kelsey stated, "[Cassel] has been less valuable overall this season than every quarterback with at least 100 passes, except Jamarcus Russel." Quinn has become much more comfortable than he was in the first three games of the season. |
| RB |  | I always love the multi-dimensional backs, and since Larry Johnson left the team, that's what Jamaal Charles has become. He runs the ball well enough and has had quite a few big bursts (alas Chris Johnson), and he plays a role in the passing game. I am now adding Cribbs to the Browns' RB situation, which is why we're ranked even. |
| WR |  | With Dwayne Bowe returning from a four-game suspension, you have to believe the Chiefs have game-planned to get him involved again and add another security blanket for Cassel. Quinn is still trying to find consistency with his receivers and will probably continue targeting TE Evan Moore. |
| OL | | The Chiefs' offensive line is banged up right now. Starting guard Brian Waters probably won't play, and Ryan O'Callaghan was added to the team's injury report at the last second as "questionable." Larry Johnson (2.9 YPC) made it seem like the Chiefs line was struggling when he was with the team, but what about Jamaal Charles' 5.2 YPC? |
| DL | | For what the Chiefs have invested in Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, it hasn't really resulted in the most intimidating of defensive lines. After the Browns have passed up several defensive linemen in the drafts the past several years, it just goes to show you how the draft is not an all-purpose solution. |
| LB | | Mike Vrabel has been the defensive leader for the Chiefs, but I'd imagine he'd much rather be playing for the Patriots again. The Chiefs are not good at defending the run, while the Browns have shown some improvement the past two weeks. Tamba Hali leads the Chiefs with 7.5 sacks, but will he get anything against Joe Thomas? |
| DB | | Ryan Kelsey states that the Chiefs are particularly good against #1 WRs; I guess it's a good thing that the Browns don't really have a No. 1 receiver. The secondary played outstanding man-to-man coverage last week, but I'm not so sure they can stop Bowe in the same manner or Charles on the short passes. |
| ST | | The Chiefs' Ryan Succop has done very well on kicks under 50 yards, connecting on 17 of 18 tries. Bobby Wade isn't a great punt returner; Joshua Cribbs still surpasses most returners in the league today. |
It's been awhile since I've felt confident in the Browns' chances of winning a football game, but I guess that's what a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers will do for you. Cribbs is finally being integrated into the offense more, which is helping our offense move the chains enough to win the field position game. With the Chiefs' struggling offense, employing that strategy should be enough to pick up a victory again.
FINAL PREDICTION: Cleveland Browns 20, Kansas City Chiefs 10.
CHRIS' RECORD IN PICKING BROWNS GAMES: 10-3
CHRIS' OVERALL NFL PREDICTIONS RECORD: 148-62
This is the official gameday thread for the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 as they face the Kansas City Chiefs. All comments regarding the game should be posted in this thread. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!!!