Kansas City Chiefs vs Cleveland Browns history: Exploring stats between AFC rivals

The Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns have battled through an intense rivalry spanning nearly five decades. Out of 28 total matchups, including one postseason game, the Chiefs have emerged victorious 15 times. Meanwhile, the Browns have claimed 11 wins, with two games ending in ties.

The most dramatic encounters punctuate their shared history. A nail-biting 40-39 Chiefs victory in 2002 stands out as a classic. The January 2021 AFC divisional playoff game saw Kansas City triumph 22-17, adding playoff drama to their long-standing competition.

From a 44-7 Browns demolition in 1977 to a 34-0 shutout in 1990, these teams have traded spectacular blows.

Cleveland Browns - Source: Getty

This weekend's matchup carries significant weight. The Chiefs sit atop the AFC with a 12-1 record, though their victories have often been narrow.

The Browns have shown resilience this season. They've battled strongly against top teams like the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, proving they're no pushover in high-stakes matchups.

Detailed Head-to-Head Statistical Comparison

Passing Totals (Regular Season)

Kansas City Chiefs:

• Completions: 474
• Attempts: 841
• Completion Percentage: 56.4%
• Passing Yards: 5,109
• Touchdowns: 38
• Interceptions: 26
• Sacks: 69
• Yards per Attempt: 6.1

Cleveland Browns:

• Completions: 486
• Attempts: 864
• Completion Percentage: 56.3%
• Passing Yards: 5,327
• Touchdowns: 32
• Interceptions: 35
• Sacks: 55
• Yards per Attempt: 6.2

Rushing Totals (Regular Season)

Kansas City Chiefs:

• Attempts: 853
• Rushing Yards: 3,429
• Yards per Attempt: 4.0
• Rushing Touchdowns: 23

Cleveland Browns:

• Attempts: 820
• Rushing Yards: 3,610
• Yards per Attempt: 4.4
• Rushing Touchdowns: 26

Defensive Totals (Regular Season)

Kansas City Chiefs:

• Sacks: 55
• Tackles for Loss: 24
• Quarterback Knockdowns: 3
• Pressures: 16
• Interceptions: 35
• Interception Touchdowns: 1
• Fumbles Forced: 47
• Fumble Recoveries: 4

Cleveland Browns:

• Sacks: 69
• Tackles for Loss: 20
• Quarterback Knockdowns: 10
• Pressures: 21
• Interceptions: 26
• Interception Touchdowns: 3
• Fumbles Forced: 58
• Fumble Recoveries: 3

Kansas City Chiefs vs Browns defense this season

NFL: Chargers at Chiefs - Source: Imagn

Patrick Mahomes stands as the key difference-maker for the Chiefs. His third-down performance is nothing short of exceptional. Mahomes boasts a 117.3 passer rating on third downs, completing 67.3% of his passes for 906 yards, with 10 touchdowns and just one interception.

The Kansas City Chiefs have converted 52% of third-down attempts—far above the league average of 37.9%. By comparison, the Browns have converted just 28.3% of their third downs, ranking last in the league.

Travis Kelce adds another layer of complexity. He ranks fifth in the league with 22 third-down receptions. No other Chiefs receiver has even half that number.

The Browns' defense isn't without hope. They stop teams on third downs 35.9% of the time—ranking 11th in the league. This is seven points lower than the lowest third-down conversion rate the Kansas City Chiefs have produced in a single game.