Chiefs make key stops on defense down stretch to beat Browns 23-17, remain NFL's lone unbeaten

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) celebrates his touchdown with fans during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (The Associated Press)

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) lands in the end zone for a touchdown after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (The Associated Press)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Alex Smith threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs held off the scrappy Cleveland Browns late in the fourth quarter to preserve a 23-17 victory Sunday and remain the NFL's lone undefeated team.

The Chiefs (8-0), off to their best start since 2003, built a 20-7 lead late in the first half before the Browns (3-4) made it a game.

Jason Campbell, starting in place of the ineffective Brandon Weeden, threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns for the Browns.

The second scoring pass, a 17-yarder to Fozzy Whittaker out of the backfield, got Cleveland within a field goal early in the third quarter.

The Chiefs kept stopping the Browns down the stretch, though. They forced a turnover on downs with just over 2 minutes left, and Ryan Succop kicked his third field goal in the closing seconds to help seal the victory.

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