Kansas City, Missouri - The Kansas City Chiefs are off to a great start in the 2021 NFL season after facing a familiar foe in the Cleveland Browns, who nearly knocked them out of last year’s postseason.

The Chiefs outlasted the Browns 33-29 in a rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional playoff game that the Browns almost won if they hadn’t given up a first down in the final minutes of the game that helped Kansas City advance.

The 2018 MVP Patrick Mahomes (25) was back under center as one of the league’s best offenses put on a show against the Browns, who are looking to make another playoff push themselves.

Mahomes put up his typical type of stats as he threw for 337 yards from 27 of 36 passing, with three touchdowns. He also carried the football for another score as the Browns just couldn’t stop him.

Cleveland was in command in the first half, at least on the scoreboard, as they dominated the pace of the game in the first quarter and went into the half up 22-10.

The Chiefs made their adjustments by letting Mahomes take over, contributing to 23 more points and a lead that the Browns couldn’t overcome by the end of the game.

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield made a decent showing but couldn’t throw for a touchdown despite completing 21 of 28 pass attempts for 321 yards and an interception.

Cleveland’s rushing attack managed to keep the game competitive behind Nick Chubb’s 15 carries for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Former Kansas City Chief Kareem Hunt and Jarvis Landry scored a touchdown each as well.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught two of Mahomes’ touchdown passes, while wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught a game-high 11 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown of his own.

The Chiefs head to Baltimore to play the Ravens while the Browns play in their home opener against the Texans, both on Sunday.