There isn't a single team in the AFC that's hotter than the Kanas City Chiefs, and a single club that's colder than the Cleveland Browns. Naturally, they are poised to meet up in a Week 16 matchup that could carry broad implications for both teams.
Browns vs. Chiefs 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Chiefs could clinch a playoff berth with a win whereas Johnny Manziel is hoping to prove to the Browns he can be the quarterback of the future.
For the Chiefs, winners of eight straight games, a victory over Cleveland may put them in position to clinch a playoff spot before the regular season even wraps up. A Chiefs win coupled with a Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Jets loss would ensure Kansas City will play in the postseason. The Chiefs are also only one game behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West, meaning their chances of capturing their first division title since 2010 are alive and well.
This is a remarkable turnaround for the Chiefs, who started the season 1-5 and lost star running back Jamaal Charles for the rest of the year with an ACL injury he suffered in Week 5. Since their five-game losing skid, the Chiefs have averaged 29.8 points per game and only surrendered 12.3.
Perhaps the biggest reason for Kansas City's recent run of dominance is its defense, which is fourth in the league in turnovers. Rookie cornerback Marcus Peters had a pick-six in last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens and defensive lineman Tyvon Branch picked up a fumble and returned it 73 yards for a touchdown, as well. On the whole, the Chiefs' defense is ranked eighth in the NFL.
The other major reason why the Chiefs have been so hot lately has been their ability to protect the football. Quarterback Alex Smith went 312 consecutive passes this season without throwing an interception, which is the second-longest streak of all time. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady holds the record -- that's not bad company to be in.
Though Smith isn't flashy, he's almost always in control of the game. He's also found a way to connect with dynamic wideout Jeremy Maclin, who has four touchdown catches in his last four contests.
Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is probably the antithesis of Smith as a player, but that doesn't mean he can't have success at the professional level. The first two years of Manziel's NFL career have been mired with turmoil, ranging from a rehab stint to reportedly lying to the Browns about when a video of him partying and drinking this year was recorded. But now, Manziel has been named Cleveland's starter for the rest of the season and appears to be winning his teammates over.
"What I've noticed is his sense of urgency this entire season," said All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Thomas, via Cleveland.com. "I think he understood that his rookie year was so abysmal and the level of commitment he showed in his rookie year was insufficient for an NFL quarterback.''
In nine games played this season, Manziel has completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 1,364 yards and seven touchdowns. His best performance came in a 30-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which he completed 73 percent of his throws for 372 yards.
Though the Browns were eliminated from the playoffs long ago, these next two weeks will be the most pivotal of Manziel’s career to date. If he plays well, the starting quarterback job may be his next season. If he struggles, the 2014 first-round pick and former Heisman trophy winner could be on his way out.
How to Watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
TV: CBS
Commentators: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
Online: NFL Game Pass
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