While a lot of people around the league are looking for Kansas City to suffer a let down of sorts tomorrow in Cleveland after their emotional win last Monday night against San Diego, I’m not one of them. The Chiefs coaching staff undoubtedly had this contest circled on their calendars since late last season, when the Browns came into Arrowhead Stadium and ran right over KC’s defense en route to a record setting performance by Jerome Harrison and Joshua Cribbs.

That may or may not end up playing out on the field, but I’d be surprised if either team allowed the other to dominate them in a critical aspect of the game, and as such I expect a highly contested affair that will be decided late by field goal at the most.

The Chiefs defense was much improved last week in taking on the Chargers, I suspect we’ll see more of the same in this affair, if they can put consistent pressure on the quarterback that is. The Browns are expected to start Seneca Wallace at quarterback, and while he definitely isn’t a spectacular passer, he does bring a solid amount of mobility to the field, and will give Kansas City fits if they’re unable to contain him when he’s outside of the pocket .

Kansas City has to get production from their offense to ensure overall success though, and while the big plays by Jamaal Charles are appreciated, much is expected out of Matt Cassel and this game should be a nice chance for him to show what he’s capable of doing. If he puts up similar numbers to what he had last week (10/22, 68 yards, TD), the natives will be restless in KC to say the least and the rumblings will start in earnest for Brodie Croyle to get another shot at leading the team.

The Browns do have a nice defense on their own right though, and while they’re lacking a few key play makers up front, they still have enough to get after the quarterback when need be, which could make life miserable early for Cassel, if his offensive line is not up to the challenge.

The bottom line in all of this will be the special teams, with both teams boasting outstanding return options, with Cribbs taking care of business for the Browns, and the two headed monster of Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas handling things for the Chiefs. Look for at least one return if not more before this game is complete.

Final Prediction: Kansas City 27 – Cleveland 21

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