Browns believe they’ll need at least 40 to stun Chiefs

The Browns know they need to score a lot to out the Chiefs from the playoffs.

The Browns believe they’ll need to score at least 40 points to have a shot of upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round of the NFL Playoffs to be played at Arrowhead Stadium later this afternoon.

This nugget comes from Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto, who wrote that Cleveland intends “to be bold on offense,” much like they were when they hung up 42 in defeat to the Ravens, and 41 and 48 in victory against the Titans and Steelers, respectively.

With running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt healthy and raring to go, running the ball and controlling the clock is a philosophy being perpetrated by pundits at the national level, but Pluto sees a Kevin Stefanski launching an aerial attack under Baker Mayfield.

That’s not to say the Browns won’t run, as they were about even in their rushing and passing attempts against in their wins against the Steelers and Titans.

Baker Mayfield has the hot hand right now, but even in light of this news, I wouldn’t expect Stefanski to force things offensively. However, trying to punch the Chiefs in the face through the passing game is a sound plan.

Whatever the Browns do, they can’t get complacent on offense. If Cleveland stalls, Patrick Mahomes will make them pay.

The Browns are more than capable of hanging up 40 on their Chiefs. Kansas City’s defense is terrible against the run and middle-of-the-road defending the pass.

If the Browns do get a lead, it will be interesting to see how Kevin Stefanski handles clock management. And no, I’m not taking about bleeding the clock dry and going ultra conservative on offense.

Rather, Patrick Mahomes cannot have the ball with a minute to play in a one-possession game. If this turns out to be the case, the Browns will lose.