The Kansas City Chiefs took care of business on the road in rainy Cleveland, defeating the Browns 21-7, shrinking the magic number to clinch the top seed in the AFC.
Patrick Mahomes led the offense to the ugly victory, which included an unusual streak of incomplete passes. He did connect with Noah Gray and JuJu Smith-Schuster for touchdowns, and he had a lateral to Xavier Worthy for the third score. The return of Harrison Butker was inspiring, but there is still some concern after he missed a field goal and converted on his three PAT opportunities.
Defensively, the group was flawless, besides the big touchdown run given up to Jordan Ford. Nick Bolton was dominant all game long, and George Karlaftis collected two sacks on Jameis Winston. The team also snagged three interceptions, with Bolton, Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, and Trent McDuffie getting their first career picks.
Check out how some of Kansas City's stars fared in the Chiefs' win over the Browns:
Stock Up: Xavier Worthy
Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The rookie wide receiver utilized his speed and skills for big plays in the game. He handled a Patrick Mahomes ruled lateral for a touchdown, finishing the day with six catches for 46 yards, three rushes for 30 yards, and the touchdown.
Stock Up: Nick Bolton
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Nick Bolton #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Jerry Jeudy #3 of the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on December 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Bolton had another dominant performance in the victory, collecting an interception, half a sack, and three tackles.
Stock Up: George Karlaftis
Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) grabs the jersey of Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5)during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Karlaftis found ways to get to Winston, pressuring him all game. He secured two sacks in the game, stalling promising Cleveland drives.
Stock Up: Joe Thuney
Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney (62) at the line of scrimmage against the Denver Broncos during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Following the injury to D.J. Humphries, All-Pro guard Thuney showed his versatility in moving to left tackle and battling reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett.
Stock Down: Joshua Williams
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Jerry Jeudy #3 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass against Joshua Williams #2 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field on December 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Williams struggled in coverage during the game, committing two crucial penalties to keep the Browns' drives alive.