Hey, what do ya know, an AFC Playoff game that actually looks good on paper! The Steelers high-power offense travels to Arrowhead to take on the Kansas City’s Chiefs dynamic defense. What could possible go wrong? Oh, maybe just a giant fucking Midwestern ice storm! I’ve been to Kansas, it’s a terrifying place on the best of days.
You say “Ice Storm”, we say “Good Football weather”
Pittsburgh @ Kansas City (-1.5), Sunday, 8:20 pm
The Steelers walked all over the Dolphins last week. Bell, Ben, Brown, they all got theirs. To that point (rant alert!) how the hell do guys like Anthony Lynn and Sean McVay score head coaching gigs and Todd Haley can’t even get an interview. Sure, he’s got a great quarterback and weapons to work with, but that’s not held against Josh McDaniel’s, whom is everyone’s favorite “hot” coordinator. Haley does a great job of involving and maximizing the players’ talents on the roster, not to mention he has head coaching experience. He must be a giant dickhole.
Anyways, the Steelers avenged their Week 6 loss to the Dolphins. As we mentioned last week, that game was the turning point of the Steelers offense. Similarly, the Chiefs turned their season around after their Week 4 dismantling in Pittsburgh. In that game, which KC lost 43-14, Ben Roethlisberger tossed 5 TDs before the Chiefs found pay dirt. Since that game, the Chiefs went 10-2.
The Chiefs remind me quite a bit of the Broncos from a season ago. Aggressive defense that pressures the quarterback and takes the ball away (first in the league in interceptions). Their offense, led by the perpetually underrated Alex Smith, has been well-balanced. Travis Kelce is a match-up nightmare over the middle and down the seam. The Chiefs find creative ways to the get the ball to Tyreek Hill, who is as explosive and creative in the open-field as he is on Twitter! Hill has also made a significant impact on the return game.
KCs dynamic duo
Big Ben tweaked his ankle late in the game against the Dolphins. Like, really late when the game was out of hand. I like Tomlin and all, but when are these coaches going to use their damn brains? Protect your assets!
Speaking of assets!
Offensively, the Steelers average almost a full touchdown less on the road this season; while KC allowed less than 16 points on average at home. KC’s defense is more than capacble of hanging with Ben & Co.
This game is going to be close and probably come down to the final few drives. I give a slight edge to Kansas City due to their defense, the extra week of rest and special teams. Either way, one of these teams will be on to Foxborough!
Kansas City 18, Pittsburgh 13