The Cleveland Browns got nearly everything they could’ve wanted in the Divisional Round. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker left four points on the cutting table, misfiring on an early extra point and a can-of-corn field goal inside the red zone. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was noticeably bothered by a foot injury early on, then completely removed from the game halfway through the third quarter after taking a hit on a third-down option keeper that launched him straight into the concussion protocol. Chad Henne played the final 22 minutes of the game.
Despite these developments breaking in their favor, Cleveland still couldn’t quite pull the upset, and the Chiefs remain atop Super Bowl odds in online sports betting. The Browns’ upset bid finally crumbled as Henne converted a late fourth down on a gutsy call from Andy Reid.
Now, NFL fans will finally get the AFC showdown that’s been on a collision course for months now. Josh Allen and Buffalo will attempt to dethrone the reigning Super Bowl champs in Kansas City, with Mahomes’ official status still in question.
The only place to start when handicapping this weekend’s championship game is Mahomes. His status is central to betting on this game, regardless of which position you want to take.