Could Le’Veon Bell’s suspension help the Chiefs?

On Thursday morning, the news came down that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is suspended for the first three games of the 2015 NFL season after he was charged with DUI and possession of marijuana, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Bell is appealing the suspension.

Losing Bell is a brutal blow for the Steelers, although an expected one. In 2014, Bell rushed for an AFC-best 1,361 yards and caught 83 passes for 854 yards, scoring 11 touchdowns. So why is this news for the Kansas City Chiefs? Well, the Steelers are making a visit to Arrowhead Stadium this year and could be without Bell if they play Kansas City early.

Looking at the Kansas City Royals’ schedule, they are out of town the first two weekends of the NFL season. This typically means the Chiefs will be at home, boosting their chances of see a Bell-less Pittsburgh team. Additionally, the NFL likes to stack divisional games toward the back end of the schedule. Finally, we already know Kansas City is “hosting” the Detroit Lions in London on Nov. 1.

There is no guarantee the Chiefs will draw the Steelers in the first two weeks, but there is a distinct possibility. If Kansas City can get Pittsburgh without it’s best all-around player, it would be a major boost.