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Can the KC Chiefs win out the rest of the way?

By Hunter Stanton

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs motions for a two point conversion after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 16, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 16: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs motions for a two point conversion after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 16, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 9, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 9, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Guess who’s back, back again? After the Tennessee Titans lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday 19-13, the Kansas City Chiefs have officially claimed the No. 1 seed after starting the season with a record of 3-4 through the first seven weeks. The Chiefs have been on a massive streak lately, winning their last seven games after beating their division rivals, the L.A. Chargers, 34-28 in overtime last Thursday.

There are now three games left in the season. The Chiefs’ last three games are at home against the. Steelers before heading on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.

With how all three facets of the team have performed through these past seven games, can the Chiefs win out the rest of the way? Let’s break it down and find out:

Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

In a tight fight for the AFC North crown, the Steelers are in third place in their division (7-6-1). Ben Roethlisberger is in his final season and has hindered the offense in many ways due to him regressing a ton this year. The run defense has been terrible for them this season, allowing 143.9 rushing yards per game (31st), around one touchdown per game (T-22nd), and 4.9 yards per rushing attempt (last in the league). Their offensive line has been terrible, winning only 67% of their run blocks (31st) and 50% of pass blocks (30th).

Once these two teams face, the Chiefs’ defense will have a field day with them. Significantly when Big Ben drops back to pass, his lack of mobility will make it easier for the Chiefs’ defensive line to sack him, causing a lot of three-and-outs and plausibly turnovers when he is pressured. With the Steelers’ o-line, rushing the ball won’t work out well either. I like Najee Harris, but he can only do so much with that offensive line.

I could see high usage of Clyde Edwards-Helaire on Sunday, with how the Steelers’ run defense has been. We’ll have to wait and see, though as COVID has had other plans for the Chiefs’ roster, with players like Tyreek Hill and Rashad Fenton on the COVID list. The Chiefs’ pass offense has been hit hard with Travis Kelce also being placed on the list and other areas of the roster have been impacted like cornerbacks. Assuming that all players on the COVID list come back (aside from Harrison Butker, who has been ruled out per Arrowhead Live), the Chiefs could easily win their eighth straight game.

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