Steelers vs. Chiefs: Matchup analysis

Mitchell & Peters vs. Brown and Who?

Since Week 13, free agent pickup Terrance Mitchell and second-year star Marcus Peters have turned into one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL. Last time rookie D.J. White was thrust into a starting position against the Steelers and got his welcome to the NFL moment. Don’t expect to see that this time.

I meant no disrespect by the “Who?” after Brown. I legitimately don’t know who will end up opposite Brown for the game. Officially Darrius Heyward-Bey is listed as the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver, but DHB has only played 39 snaps over the last two weeks. Last time Sammie Coates burned the Chiefs with six receptions for 79 yards including 22 yards after catch. Coates played just one snap against the Dolphins in the Wild Card round. Eli Rogers and Cobi Hamilton have been the most consistent at getting onto the field in the second half of the season.

But enough about that. The Chiefs rank seventh in the NFL in pass defense by Football Outsiders. They’re No. 1 in taking the ball away through the air with 18 interceptions and a Marcus Peters stolen pass.

Speaking of which, Peters and Mitchell rank as the 16th and T-26th best cornerback by Pro Football Focus. D.J. White who mentioned above played 30 snaps in the last game has played only five snaps since Week 8. Steven Nelson will be the third cornerback at the inside slot, and ranks as the 73rd cornerback but passes the eye test.

A lot of people will talk about Le’Veon Bell and what he means against the Chiefs. But the Chiefs pass defense will end up giving them the best chance to win.

Let me know in the comments below what your top matchups of the game are.