Earlier this season in Week 4, the Pittsburgh Steelers destroyed the Kansas City Chiefs 44-13 on Sunday Night Football. Again, Pittsburgh and Kansas City will be playing on Sunday Night Football, but this time the stakes are a lot higher in the AFC Divisional Round at Arrowhead Stadium.
While the Chiefs (12-4) had a first-round bye last week, the Steelers (12-5) exacted revenge on the Miami Dolphins as they cruised to a 30-12 victory at Heinz Field. Miami defeated Pittsburgh 30-15 in Week 6 of the regular season.
This will be the second all-time meeting in the postseason between the Steelers and Chiefs as their only meeting came during the 1993 season (AFC Wild-Card Round). Kansas City edged out the Steelers 27-24 as that is still their last home playoff victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs
Kickoff: Sunday, January 15, 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: Kansas City -1.5
Three Things to Watch
- Le’Veon Bell vs. Chiefs Defense
Against the Dolphins last week, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell ran for 167 yards, which was a franchise postseason record and two touchdowns. In the first meeting against the Chiefs, Bell rushed for 144 yards on 18 carries in his first game back from a three-game suspension. In his last seven games, Bell has averaged 143.1 yards on the ground, so the Chiefs will have their hands full.
One of the Achilles heels of the Chiefs this season has been their inability to slow down their opponents rushing game. Kansas City’s defense gave up an average of 121.1 yards rushing during the regular season, which ranked 26th in the league. The Chiefs only held opposing teams under 100 yards four times this season.
- Chiefs Offensive Line vs. Steelers Front Seven
Kansas City’s offensive line was one of the better ones in the NFL this season as they allowed 32 sacks this season. That unit will have their hands full as they will be facing a very talented and healthy Steelers defensive front seven.
In their win over Miami last week, the Steelers sacked Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore five times and forced him to fumble twice in Pittsburgh territory. In their regular meeting, the Chiefs were only able to rush for 87 yards as a team. Pittsburgh also sacked Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith four times.
- Tyreek Hill
Kansas City’s dynamic returner Tyreek Hill was one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league this season. He caught 61 receptions for 593 yards and six touchdowns this season. Hill also rushed for three touchdowns.
Hill has also been just as dangerous as a returner. Hill recorded two punt return touchdowns and one kick return touchdown. Pittsburgh punter Jordan Berry must be very careful on how he kicks to Hill as he is one of the fastest players in the league.
Final Analysis
After beginning the season 2-2, the Chiefs won 10 out of their last 12 games and in the process won the AFC West and clinched a first-round bye. One of the major keys to defeating the Steelers on Sunday night will be if the Chiefs can get in the backfield and slow down Bell and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
In their previous meeting, Roethlisberger threw for 300 yards and five touchdowns as the Chiefs were only able to sack him twice. If the Steelers offense is effective in both the passing and rushing game, it will be a long night for the Chiefs.
The best defense for the Chiefs is to keep the Steelers offense off the field as much as possible. Kansas City will need to Spencer Ware to have a big day after he missed the team’s last regular season game against the Chargers with a rib injury.
