KC Chiefs vs. Browns: Nick Bolton is the real deal and other takeaways

The Browns remain a legit threat

If you did not buy into the stock before that the Cleveland Browns being the Chiefs top competitor in the AFC, now is the time to buy into that stock. The Browns possess one of the most complete rosters in the whole league. Kansas City may have more top-end talent, but overall, Cleveland could actually possess the better team.

The one-two punch of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt proved to be Kansas City’s biggest issue on Sunday. The two running backs combined for 116 yards on 21 carries. The way Cleveland plays is why it is the top threat to the Chiefs. Defending the run is what this Chiefs’ defense has struggled with the last few seasons, and that may be true again this season. It also does not help that the Browns possess arguably the best offensive line in football. Running the ball keeps the Chiefs’ offense off the field and consumes the clock.

A popular pick for Kansas City’s equal is the Buffalo Bills, but what happens when your style of play becomes predictable? Just watch the Bills-Steelers game from Sunday. It was known that the Bills were going to throw the ball on every single play. When it was not a pass play, it was more likely than not a designed run for Josh Allen. The lack of a run game hurts the Bills offense overall.

Until the Bills figure out a rushing attack, teams are going to sit back and dare the Bills to run—something we saw in Super Bowl LV between the Chiefs and Buccaneers. Not to mention, the Browns’ defense is going to be much improved from last season. Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney off the edge is something that also gave the Chiefs troubles on Sunday. Cleveland has no holes on the roster, and the weakest part of the team could be Baker Mayfield, and he is a solid option at quarterback.

The Browns are not the same old Browns that we have come to know. I will not be surprised if we see a Browns-Chiefs AFC Championship game later this season. The Browns matchup very well with the Chiefs, and possess the best formula to contend with Kansas City in the AFC, despite losing on Sunday.