Film Study: How the Chiefs can beat the transitioning Browns

Offensive Public Enemy #1:

Nick Chubb, RB

While Chubb just earned his starting role, he can really play. Chubb is a good downhill runner and is not strictly a power back. He is very good at making the first tackler miss, which is very dangerous for a team like the Chiefs who are missing one of their starting inside linebackers.

Offensive Public Enemy #2:

David Njoku, TE

If there was one underrated offensive player for the Browns, its Njoku. While analysts talk about his athleticism, little is said about how much he has developed for a struggling Browns team. The Chiefs have struggled against tight ends. In recent weeks they have performed better in this regard; However, Njoku is a dangerous piece.

Offensive Public Enemy #3:

Jarvis Landry, WR

It seems strange to make Landry the third most dangerous weapon. Given the Chiefs success in cornerback coverages, Landry is not as scary to me despite his enormous success early in his career. He will get open and make the Chiefs pay and the Chiefs must limit his big-play success this week.

Defensive Public Enemy:

Myles Garrett, DE

Garrett is an absolute monster. Honestly, his play style reminds me of Justin Houston pre-injury and entering his prime. With a little help on defense, Garrett will become one of the best defensive players in football.

Offensive Scheming Player #1:

Tyreek Hill, WR

Tyreek Hill could be up for a huge game against these cornerbacks. If I were a Browns fan, I would be incredibly nervous about running up and down the field with the likes of Watkins and Hill. They do not have the ability to keep up, let alone slow the production of these receivers for the Chiefs.

Offensive Scheming Player #2:

Kareem Hunt, RB

The Chiefs rushing game has looked incredible as of late. Kareem Hunt has been playing out of his mind in the past couple weeks. With a clear weakness in defending the sidelines, Hunt could be a huge contributor in both the run and pass. Hunt will likely have space to run with the extra help they will need to employ to stop the Chiefs other weapons.

Offensive Scheming Player #3:

Sammy Watkins, WR

We saw him come out a little bit last week. I expect him to improve even more against the Browns. It seems likely that the Browns will put their second corner, TJ Carrie on him, which means he could have a big day in store.

Defensive player that needs to step up:

Ben Niemann and Dorian O’Daniel, LBs

Every team in the NFL has a “next man up” mentality in cases of injury. For the Chiefs, the linebacking corps is banged up. Newcomers Ben Niemann and Dorian O’Daniel will need to come up big for the Chiefs. With talented tight ends and running backs, they will have their hands full against the Browns. Niemann is more talented against the run, whereas O’Daniel is better against the pass. It will be interesting to see how the young guys play.

Final Analysis:

The Browns are not horrible and with change at the top, it is hard to tell what version of the Browns we will see. If it is a trap game for the Chiefs, so be it. I don’t see it that way. In fact, after watching the tape, I think the Chiefs have a chance of running away with this one.

While the starters for the Browns are mostly serviceable players, it takes a multitude of depth players to keep up with Kansas City. I expect the Chiefs to come away with a victory by 10 or more points and for Tyreek Hill to have a big day.