NFL Divisional Playoffs: Trends which will decide each game

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs leads players onto the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in action against Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 11, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Sunday, Jan. 17

Cleveland Browns (12-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (14-2), 3:05 pm

Browns: A franchise that had experience just two winning seasons from 1999-2019 won 11 games during the regular season and comes off a 48-37 pasting of the AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in the wild card round – the Browns’ first playoff win since 1994. Kevin Stefanski’s surging team is extremely balanced thanks to efficient quarterback Baker Mayfield and the 1-2 punch of running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Defensive end Myles Garrett leads the defense but the Cleveland secondary has had its issues throughout the year. The Browns’ offensive line has been a strong suit this year but can they hold off Chiefs’ standout Chris Jones?

Chiefs: Some would say that the defending Super Bowl champions have hardly looked the part lately. But Andy Reid’s team is making its sixth consecutive appearance in the postseason, the longest-active streak in the league. Patrick Mahomes comes off an exceptional year and in five playoff starts, has propelled the Chiefs to at least 31 points in each of those contests. The team is loaded with speed via wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. The defense has been spotty at times but shown a propensity for the big play. Kansas City’s special teams have also come up with its share of moments. Will the long layoff for Mahomes and others wind up being an issue?

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