Steelers’ offense too much for Chiefs
And then there were two. Weeks, that is.
That’s all that remains in what has been one of the most entertaining seasons in NFL history, at least in the AFC, where we enter the final two weeks with 12 of the 16 teams still in the playoff hunt. The Steelers are one of those teams.
While three teams – New England, Denver and Indianapolis – clinched postseason spots, Pittsburgh might be in the best shape of the nine contenders.
For the Steelers, the postseason formula is simple. Win today against Kansas City and they are in the playoffs. Win again next week against the Bengals and they are AFC North champions.
This week, the task will be taking their No. 1-ranked offense against Kansas City’s top-10 defense in a battle of strength versus strength.
Pittsburgh led the NFL in total offense just one other time in team history, that was in 1979 when the Steelers won their fourth Super Bowl.
With Hall of Fame players at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, that offense was dynamic. But it was not without its issues. The 1979 Steelers turned the ball over an amazing 52 times, 26 on interceptions and 26 on fumbles.
This current group, while it has taken care of the football (18 turnovers) it sputtered at times, going stretches without scoring.
The Steelers can’t afford to do that today.
Kansas City’s offense is not one built to play from behind. The Chiefs want to build a lead and run the football.
Kansas City scored more than 24 points only once in seven games, that coming last week against Oakland. And it took a punt return for a touchdown for that to happen.
Conversely, the Steelers were held to less than 27 points only once in the past eight games.
If the Steelers can get a couple of scoring plays early and force Kansas City out of its comfort zone, then they will win this game.
If not, then they’ll struggle against Kansas City’s potent pass rush, which has 38 sacks.
Pittsburgh is a 3-point favorite and should cover that spread.
Take the Steelers to win, 31-23
The Patriots give former thorn in their side Rex Ryan a going away present.
Take New England, 34-13
The Rams are an opportunistic bunch and face Eli “Turnover” Manning.
Take St. Louis, 23-17
The Cowboys need a win. The Colts clinched their division title last week.
Take Dallas, 27-23
Johnny Manziel won’t be quarterbacking the Broncos.
Take Denver, 30-17
The Cardinals are a great story but will be using their eighth-string quarterback.
Take Seattle, 21-6
The Ravens are susceptible to the pass, but the Texans will be starting a third-string quarterback.
Take Baltimore, 24-9
Julio Jones is unlikely to play again today.
Take New Orleans, 27-20
Packers should be angry after their performance last week.
Take Green Bay, 38-16
The Lions need to win this week to clinch a playoff spot. They travel to Green Bay next week, where they haven’t won since 1992.
Take Detroit, 24-10
The Bills have allowed just two passing touchdowns in seven games but haven’t won in Oakland since 1966.
Take Buffalo, 20-10
Dolphins need a win and about 20 other things to fall into place to stay alive in playoff race.
Take Miami, 24-13
Johnny Manziel won’t be as bad as he was last week, but he won’t win this one.
Take Carolina, 26-17
Last week: ATS: 4-9-2; Straight up: 12-3
Overall: ATS: 94-108-4; Straight up: 137-71
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.