Cleveland Browns: 5 Bold predictions vs. Chiefs in Divisional Round

3. Denzel Ward makes his presence known.

The news has not yet broken that Denzel Ward will return for the Divisional Round game against Kansas City, but the Browns are hopeful that he will be able to suit up. And if they want to have any chance of slowing the Chiefs passing attack down, they will absolutely need him on the field — even if he’s not at 100 percent following his bout with the virus.

Ward hasn’t played since their Week 16 loss to the New York Jets but even in defeat, he showed off how important he is to this defense. He finished with just two tackles but had two key pass break-ups that helped keep the Browns in the game. While the entire defense was struggling to stop the passing attack of New York, Ward was continuing to prove he’s a shutdown cornerback.

In this prediction, Ward not only returns to the roster but also shows up ready to prove he’s for real. Ward is the only defensive back on the team who can keep up with the explosive Tyreek Hill and Joe Woods has to ask him to do exactly that.

The prediction is that Ward holds Hill to 60 yards or fewer while keeping him out of the end zone. Not only that, but look for No. 21 to record a huge interception in his first career playoff game. Ward might not be a household name for the casual NFL fan just yet — but he will be after this weekend.