Evaluating the KC Chiefs remaining regular season opponents
By Josh Fann
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chiefs will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers the day after Christmas, right after Pittsburgh helped them secure the No. 1 seed. In theory, the Steelers could take away that top spot just as quickly as they gifted it.
They’ll have the opportunity, but it’s not likely to happen.
I believe the Steelers are the easiest team left on Kansas City’s schedule. Yes, I know they still play the Broncos one more time, but the Steelers appear to be a completely deflated team. Their playoff hopes are all but dead and a disconnect appears to be developing between Mike Tomlin and his players.
Assuming the Chiefs’ offense can carry their momentum from the end of the Chargers game into this one, they’ll put up some points. On the other hand, Pittsburgh’s offense is extremely underwhelming. If they want to win, they’re going to have to put up points which seems like a big ask considering they rank 21st in the NFL in PPG. Pair that with the way the Chiefs defense has exploded onto the scene and there doesn’t seem to be a path to winning this game for Pittsburgh.
Ben Roethlisberger is still playing somehow way beyond his expiration date, and the Steelers offense has some intriguing young players like Najee Harris and Chase Claypool, but no one truly scares you. The defense isn’t anything special either. At 27th in yards given up per game, Pittsburgh isn’t the defensive juggernaut from years past. Their main weakness lies in the run defense which ranks 31st overall. So, another chance for the Chiefs to establish the run and rack up some yards.
The only way I could see this game being even remotely close is if T.J. Watt and the Steelers pass-rush really make things difficult up front. Other than that there’s not a lot going for the Steelers in this one.