Kansas City Chiefs vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats
When two historically determined NFL franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns meet late in the season, fans expect a competitive, gritty football game.
That was exactly the case during their December 15, 2024, clash at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. This wasn’t just another game, it was a measuring stick for both teams at very different stages of their seasons.
The Chiefs, riding high with a 13–1 record, aimed to keep their playoff momentum alive, while the Browns, struggling at 3-11, were hoping to find some pride and rhythm amid a turbulent season. In front of nearly 68,000 fans, the two teams took the field under the lights in a cold-weather classic.
Kansas City came out with sharp execution and controlled both the tempo and tone of the game from the opening drive. By the time the final whistle blew, the Chiefs walked away with a 21-7 victory, strengthening their postseason case and maintaining dominance in the all-time series.
What Were the Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Details?
The Chiefs asserted control early and never truly allowed the Browns to get into a rhythm offensively. The following table outlines the scoring breakdown per quarter:
| Quarter | Kansas City Chiefs | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | 0 |
| 2nd | 7 | 0 |
| 3rd | 7 | 7 |
| 4th | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 21 | 7 |
Cleveland’s only points came in the third quarter on a rushing touchdown by Jerome Ford, but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome Kansas City’s early surge.
What Do the Player Stats Reveal About the Match?
Player performances told the story of the game. The Chiefs did not need explosive stats from Patrick Mahomes to secure the win, what they needed was consistency, and Mahomes delivered just that.
On the other hand, Jameis Winston, starting for the Browns, struggled with turnovers, throwing three interceptions that significantly impacted the Browns’ ability to mount a comeback.
Key Quarterback Stats
| Quarterback | Completions/Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | 19/38 | 159 | 2 | 0 |
| Jameis Winston | 16/25 | 146 | 0 | 3 |
While Mahomes didn’t light up the scoreboard with passing yards, his two touchdown passes and zero turnovers were key to the Chiefs’ offensive stability.
Rushing and Receiving Leaders
On the ground, Kareem Hunt led the Chiefs with modest numbers, but Cleveland’s Jerome Ford was more efficient, including a 1-yard touchdown run that served as Cleveland’s only score.
In the air, Xavier Worthy and Jerry Jeudy emerged as primary targets for their respective quarterbacks.
| Player | Team | Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
| Kareem Hunt | Chiefs | 13 carries, 45 yards |
| Jerome Ford | Browns | 7 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD |
| Xavier Worthy | Chiefs | 6 receptions, 46 yards |
| Jerry Jeudy | Browns | 11 receptions, 108 yards |
Jeudy’s 100+ yard performance was impressive, but without scoring support or protection from the quarterback position, it went largely unrewarded.
How Did the Team Stats Compare?
Looking at the broader team performance, the Chiefs were more disciplined and efficient. Most notably, Kansas City did not commit a single turnover, while Cleveland coughed up the ball six times, including three interceptions and three fumbles—a stat line that typically spells defeat in the NFL.
| Team Stat | Kansas City Chiefs | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 311 | 266 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 6 |
| First Downs | 18 | 16 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 7/18 (38.9%) | 4/12 (33.3%) |
| Penalties (Yards) | 4 for 30 | 6 for 45 |
| Time of Possession | 31:37 | 28:23 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2/4 | 0/0 |
The Chiefs’ ability to control the clock and capitalize on short-field opportunities after turnovers made the difference.
Who Were the Defensive Game Changers?
Defense often wins games, and the Chiefs’ defensive unit stepped up in key moments. George Karlaftis, with his two sacks, disrupted Cleveland’s rhythm, especially during crucial third downs. Chris Roland-Wallace added six tackles, anchoring the secondary effectively.
On the Browns’ side, Jordan Hicks recorded nine tackles and tried to maintain pressure, but the lack of offensive support made their defensive efforts fall short.
What Is the Recent Head-to-Head Record Between These Two Teams?
The Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns have met 10 times since 2006, and the Chiefs have won seven of those matchups. Over that period, Kansas City has averaged 376.4 yards per game, while Cleveland has averaged 363.3 yards, indicating how competitive some of those games have been despite Kansas City’s win rate.
| Date | Winner | Score | Location | KC Yards | CLE Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/15/2024 | Chiefs | 21–7 | Away | 311 | 266 |
| 9/12/2021 | Chiefs | 33–29 | Home | 397 | 457 |
| 1/17/2021 | Chiefs | 22–17 | Home | 438 | 308 |
| 11/4/2018 | Chiefs | 37–21 | Away | 499 | 388 |
| 12/27/2015 | Chiefs | 17–13 | Home | 258 | 368 |
| 10/27/2013 | Chiefs | 23–17 | Home | 331 | 340 |
| 12/9/2012 | Browns | 30–7 | Home | 310 | 352 |
| 9/19/2010 | Chiefs | 16–14 | Away | 312 | 299 |
| 12/20/2009 | Browns | 41–34 | Home | 491 | 417 |
| 12/3/2006 | Browns | 31–28 | Away | 417 | 438 |
In games decided by less than a touchdown, Kansas City’s composure and quarterback leadership have been clear assets.
What Was the Impact of Turnovers and Penalties?
The game’s most glaring stat was Cleveland’s six turnovers. Each turnover either killed a promising drive or gifted Kansas City a short field. On the other hand, the Chiefs played clean football, with zero giveaways, ensuring every drive had a chance to end in points or favorable field position.
Penalties were also a factor, though less impactful. Cleveland’s six penalties for 45 yards stalled their offensive flow, especially in the second half.
How Did the Game Atmosphere and Officiating Affect Play?
Played under the primetime lights at Huntington Bank Field, the game drew a near-capacity crowd of 67,983 fans. Despite a chilly evening and their team’s underdog status, Browns fans were vocal throughout the first half. However, repeated turnovers quieted the crowd as the Chiefs gained control.
The officiating, led by referee Tra Blake, was generally consistent and didn’t play a major role in the game’s outcome. There were a few close calls, but none that shifted the momentum significantly.
What Does This Game Mean for Both Teams Moving Forward?
For the Chiefs, this win reinforces their place at the top of the AFC. With Mahomes managing the game efficiently and the defense forcing errors, Kansas City looks primed for another deep playoff run.
For the Browns, the loss signals a continuation of their 2024 struggles. Now at 3-11, Cleveland will likely focus on player development and preparing for the draft. Despite the loss, the performance of players like Jerome Ford and Jerry Jeudy provides some optimism for the future.
FAQs – Chiefs vs Browns Match and Player Stats
Who won the Chiefs vs Browns game in December 2024?
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 21-7.
What were Patrick Mahomes’ stats in the game?
Mahomes completed 19 of 38 passes for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions.
How many turnovers did the Browns commit?
Cleveland committed 6 total turnovers, including 3 interceptions thrown by Jameis Winston.
Who was the top receiver in the game?
Jerry Jeudy led all receivers with 108 yards on 11 catches for the Browns.
What is the all-time record between the Chiefs and Browns?
In their last 10 meetings, the Chiefs lead the series 7-3.
How did Cleveland score their only touchdown?
Running back Jerome Ford scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
What is the Chiefs’ road record after this game?
Following the win in Cleveland, the Chiefs improved their road record to 6-1.
