(Photo: Netflix)
AFC Game Of The Week
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
Chiefs: Another week, another close win and they continue to pile it on. With the win against the Houston Texans in week 16, they are now the owners of the best record in the National Football League at 14-1. They’ve already clinched a playoff spot and have won another division title for the ninth consecutive season. It never crossed my mind that Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t play in that game. Let’s not forget this is the same guy that played on one ankle in 2022 en route to his second league MVP award and second Super Bowl title. Unless the injury is of catastrophic proportions, he’s playing and you’ll have to take his helmet in order for him not to take the field. I know exactly what the Chiefs did prior to the game against Houston and that’s playing mind games with them. They waited until before kickoff to announce he’d be starting to try and have one up on them. The Texans gave them all they could handle, but when you play a team of the Chiefs’ caliber, you must play them for the full 60 minutes because playing 59 minutes certainly isn’t going to beat them. Since the loss to the Buffalo Bills in November, they’ve won their last six games and certainly don’t mind living on the edge evidently. When they got off to the undefeated start, I remember saying to watch for them in November and December to kick it into gear because I feel they’re bored during the months of September and October, or, I’ve even referred to it as their “offseason” of some sorts. I know I’ve said in the past they don’t scare me, but I don’t think I can say that because they can turn it on at any given moment, and at the snap of a finger, they’re in the Super Bowl. Today, they kick off week 17 in the NFL with a showdown in Pittsburgh.
Steelers: Everything appeared to be rolling for them. After their grind-it-out win over the Baltimore Ravens, they were 8-2 and in the mix for one of the top seeds in the AFC with the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. In their last six games, they’re sitting at .500 at 3-3 and for a while, I was thinking they were getting ready to run away with the AFC North. These last two games have opened my eyes as I watch the Pittsburgh Steelers. Against the Eagles, they bottled up the run and dared Jalen Hurts and the Philly passing attack to beat them and they accepted that challenge, then against the Ravens in week 16, they were dominated up front and gave up 162 rushing yards to Derrick Henry. What appeared to be the team to beat in the division now has their backs against the wall with two weeks remaining in the regular season as Baltimore is now tied with them in the AFC North for the division lead. Their issue continues to be their offense, especially in the red zone and they have a tendency of not being able to punch the ball in the end zone in goal-line situations and settle for three points meaning they will leave points on the table unfortunately. I know I mentioned a few weeks ago that they won two football games and didn’t score a single touchdown, but that isn’t always going to work in their favor. They need to get back to running the football and relying on one of the best defenses in the league to make stops, force takeaways, and get off the field when it matters. I’d say the playoffs start for them today and they will welcome the defending Super Bowl champions to town for some holiday football.
Chiefs X-Factor: Hollywood Brown– This was the guy who was expected to bring that explosiveness back to the Chiefs offense and this is something they’ve lacked since Tyreek Hill’s departure. Hollywood made his Chiefs debut on Saturday against the Texans and looked sharp. He’s missed a majority of the year after injuring his shoulder during the preseason in August. Hollywood caught five passes for 45 yards, but my biggest takeaway was his presence kept Houston from double-teaming Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, and Travis Kielce throughout the game. You can’t double everybody. I see Mahomes getting him more football to incorporate him into the scheme.
Steelers X-Factor: Calvin Austin III– This passing attack is built around George Pickens and he’s developed a nice rapport with Russell Wilson. Unfortunately, he’s been out nursing an injury and is expected to return today. One player did step up in George’s absence and that was Calvin Austin III. Whenever Russell has needed him, he’s been there. I understand his production didn’t help the team win, but it’s great to see a young receiver step it up and be that guy for the Quarterback. With Pickens being the focus of the Kansas City secondary, look for Calvin to see more space and open looks. Calvin will definitely be needed if the Steelers want to do the unthinkable and beat the Chiefs.
Final Thoughts: Football has been played on most days of the week except on Tuesdays and here we are kicking off week 17 in the NFL. The Chiefs sit at 14-1 for the first time since their 2020 season and the Steelers are looking to snap a two-game losing streak. As I mentioned, the Steelers have struggled at times to score, especially when they are in the red zone and this is the one team you don’t want to battle against scoring points because you can’t beat the Chiefs with three. Six points every time and good things will come your way. I need to see a more disciplined defensive effort from the black and yellow today meaning capitalizing on the basics of football such as finishing tackles and most importantly, being on the same page with everyone because miscommunication and a lack of discipline can cost you, especially against Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Lastly, I’m attacking the Chiefs’ Offensive Tackles as they have struggled throughout the year. I need to see the Chiefs get off to a fast start in this one. I’m talking about a balanced offensive attack, hitting your spots and attacking when the opportunity presents itself. Although the Steelers have struggled as a defense, this is a unit you don’t want to turn the ball over on or they will make you pay and I even heard Patrick say they’d need to play their best football against this team. I’m expecting a close battle between these two today. I like the Chiefs to escape with a Christmas Day victory.
Prediction: Chiefs 22, Steelers 17
