The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) head to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs (1-5) looking to stretch their winning streak to three and keep pace with the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals in the race for the AFC North title.
Despite of an array of injuries and what looks to be their third starting quarterback in the past four weeks, the Steelers continue to find ways to win. The Chiefs are the other hand have lost five straight and lost their best weapon in running back extraordinaire Jamaal Charles to an ACL tear two weeks ago.
Let’s look at the keys to victory and make a pick.
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
Watch: CBS
Spread: Chiefs (+1.5)
Series History: Steelers lead 20-9
Last regular season meeting: 12/21/14, Steelers 20 Chiefs 12
Three keys to Steelers victory:
In Landry we trust? The unexpected second-half effort of Landry Jones against the Arizona Cardinals has been the talk of the town this week. Jones was able to awaken a Steelers pass offense that had been mostly dormant under Michael Vick, going 8-for-12 for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
Poised to likely make his first NFL start, Jones will face a Chiefs defense that has a number of top-flight pass rushers including Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. A key matchup will be Hali facing another Steeler making his first NFL start, offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva. Hali has struggled so far this season registering only one sack, but keeping he and Houston at bay will be key to Jones having a strong day against a Chiefs pass defense that ranks 25th in the league in yards per game.
Conversely, the Chiefs have been stout against the run, giving up a paltry 96.2 yards a game. Jones will be challenged to make some plays with his arm and his ability to do that without turning the ball over will be key to a Steelers victory.
Shut down a very limited Chiefs offense – When you look at the numbers, the Chiefs offense is pretty average at best. When you consider that much of that production is now out with all purpose superstar Charles done for the year, the Chiefs are looking like just what the doctor ordered for the Steelers defense.
Quarterback Alex Smith is averaging 7.5 yards per completion and though Jeremy Maclin is expected to play, the receiving corps is struggling to make plays downfield. The Chiefs offensive line has been terrible and have given up 24 sacks so far this season, third worst in the league.
Knile Davis and Charcandrick West are attempting to fill the void left by the Charles injury, and it’s not been a great start. Both are averaging under four yards per carry and Davis is only rushing for 2.5 yards per attempt.
If the Steelers can contain the Chiefs weak rushing attack and force Smith to make plays in the passing game, it should allow the defense to dominate.
Eliminate the splash plays, make a few yourself – As noted above, the Chiefs limited offense does not scare anyone, but it does not mean they don’t have players capable of making big plays. West is talented pass catcher out of the backfield who can make plays in the open field, while DeAnthony Thomas is a dazzling speedster who will be used all over the field on offense and has the ability to be a game changer in the return game.
Maclin has been struggling with a head injury but is another big play receiver known for his ability to stretch the field.
With Jones now likely to run the offense, the Steelers can look to get Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant involved and look to dominate. The Chiefs defense has struggled at times and with so many weapons at Jones disposal, there should be plenty of opportunities to make plays.
Three keys to Chiefs victory:
Stop Bell and Williams – The Chiefs rush defense has been relatively strong but will face a challenge on a whole different level trying to stop the tandem of Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams. Bell has hit the ground running after serving his two-game suspension to start the season, while Williams has proved to be a strong additional option at running back.
Expect the Chiefs to make every effort to stymie the Steelers rushing attack and make Jones have to make plays with his arm. Whether or not Jones is capable of handling that type of pressure is still up for debate, and the Chiefs will likely be willing to roll the dice.
Win the third phase – In a game that will quite possibly be low scoring, special teams play will be crucial. Keep an eye on punt return specialist Thomas, he’s yet to make a big splash but one mistake and he is going to use his world class speed to make impact.
On the flip side, Brown has yet to come up with a big return, but we know he can in the blink of an eye. The Chiefs can’t afford to let that happen or they could be in a lot of trouble considering they will likely struggle to score points all day.
Chris Boswell comes into Sunday’s contest as the reigning AFC special teams Player of the Week. He and Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos might be asked to make a crucial kick late. Who will make the big kick under pressure?
Despite of record, play hard for four quarters – Losers of five straight and already essentially out of the playoff mix, will the Chiefs play with purpose and energy? Even though we have not even reached the halfway mark, it’s a fair question. The Chiefs have been close in several losses, but have seemingly never gotten over their Week 2 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Losing Charles did not help the cause, but the show must go on in Kansas City. Look for the early returns to speak volumes in this game. If the Steelers get off to a fast start, will the Chiefs pack it in or keep playing hard?
Prediction:
Though not as quick as some to crown Jones the second coming of Terry Bradshaw, getting a reeling Chiefs team for his first start helps. The Chiefs have a real chance to not only make this a game, but get a win. This game has “trap” written all over it, and the Steelers better come ready to go or they could let a game they simply should not lose slip away.
Ultimately the Steelers should win because they are the better team, it’s really that simple. Steelers 24 Chiefs 14
