Chiefs vs. Browns: 7 Keys to the Game for Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs snapped an eight-game losing streak after defeating the Carolina Panthers last week, 27-21.

The Chiefs found their second win of the season and have a good chance at adding another one this week while visiting the Cleveland Browns.

The Chiefs played well against the Panthers and must build off last Sunday's win in order to pick up another win this week.

Here are the top keys to the game for the Chiefs.

1. Score on the Opening Possession

For the first time in 29 games, the Chiefs scored a touchdown on their opening drive in last week's win.

The Chiefs must do the same thing on the road to the Browns. Scoring early will help the Chiefs build a lot of confidence and remain in the lead for a majority of the game.

2. Steal Momentum Away from the Browns

After starting the season 0-5, the Browns have won four of their last seven games and currently ride a two-game winning streak. A big win against the Pittsburgh Steelers helped carry that momentum over on the road against the Oakland Raiders.

The Chiefs, despite winning last week, have very little momentum. Both teams have struggled this season and want to keep their winning streaks active.

3. Protect Brady Quinn

Brady Quinn was sacked only once last week in the win against the Panthers. Kansas City's offensive line played well. However, they must step up against a strong 4-3 defensive line.

Defensive ends Jabaal Sheard, Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker have combined for 10 sacks on the year. Offensive tackles Eric Winston and Branden Albert will face a tough task when having to block these defensive ends and will need help from running backs, tight ends and fullbacks to keep Quinn on his feet.

Quinn, the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week, can have another good game if his line continues to give him time to make the right play.

4. Keep the Running Backs Active

Jamaal Charles rushed for 127 yards off 27 carries against the Panthers, making it the fifth time this year he hit the 100-yard mark.

The Browns, ranked 16th against the run, could find themselves having a hard time stopping Charles. Peyton Hillis came through last week when he picked up first downs in short yardage situations and also punched the ball into the end zone on a two-yard run.

The Chiefs running game could be vital in beating the Browns.

5. Score More Than 20 Points Against the Browns

In the past three weeks, the Browns scored 20 points each game and went 2-1. The Browns' lucky number is 20.

The Chiefs, however, average 15.7 points per game and rank second to last in scoring. At the same time, the Browns defense has allowed over 22 points per game on average.

The Chiefs offense may not be able to walk out of Cleveland with a win if they are limited in their scoring.

6. Create Turnovers

Despite picking up a win and playing nearly mistake-free football on offense, the defense was unable to force any turnovers.

This week, the opportunities for the Chiefs will be there. Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden has thrown 15 interceptions on the year. The Browns offense as a unit have committed 21 giveaways.

If outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston bring the heat on Weeden, the Chiefs defense could have multiple takeaways and give the offense a lot of field time.

7. Avoid Penalty Flags

Last week, the Chiefs were not penalized until the final six minutes in which the team took a delay of game penalty. Head coach Romeo Crennel was pleased with the players for not being called for holding on offense or pass interference on defense, penalties that typically hurt a team.

Crennel knows that accomplishing that task for the second straight week, this time on the road, will be hard. But if the Chiefs keep it to a minimum, it will increase their chances at picking up their second straight win.