The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to carry their momentum from clinching the AFC West into their Week 15 road matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. While the Chiefs stand atop the AFC with a 12-1 record, the Browns are amongst the league’s worst teams at 3-10.

But Kansas City’s veteran offensive guard Trey Smith is quick to remind everyone that no NFL matchup should be taken for granted.

“In the NFL, everyone’s trying to fight, claw, and get the win,” Smith told reporters after Friday’s practice. “Regardless of record, guys are playing with pride. As a football player, if I was on the worst team in the league — anywhere — I’m going to play my hardest no matter what happens. So I don’t really think they’ll play any different.”

In recent weeks, the Browns have shown signs of life under quarterback Jameis Winston, who took over the starting job in Week 8. All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett anchors Cleveland’s defense, which has also done its part in keeping the team competitive.

“They’re an excellent, talented team — and really physical up front,” Smith observed of the Browns’ defensive unit. “They do a good job of dictating the tempo in a lot of situations. They’ve been playing some good ball this year — and it’s the NFL. Everyone is great. You never take an opponent lightly.”

Garrett — who sets the tone for the Browns’ defense — is having another monster season. He has registered 11 sacks, which ranks second this season.

“Guys like Myles — and players across the league — they’re talents that you can see pop off in film,” noted Smith. “I just think they do a great job as a defensive unit of being physical, setting the tone and playing with effort.”

Facing a tough defensive front like Cleveland’s will be a challenge for the Chiefs — especially given this season’s struggles on the offensive line. With new linemen rotating in and out of the lineup, Smith believes communication will be the key to handling the Browns’ pass rush.

“[It’s about] making sure all five are playing through the same set of eyes — seeing the same thing [and] speaking the same language,” he said. “Our coaches do a phenomenal job of making sure any man that’s ready to play the position is going to go out there and play at a high level as well. It’s just a cohesive unit thing — so over time, the comfort builds up and we just keep rolling.”