AFC North Implications (Pt. 1)

These next few games for the Steelers are going to be so vital to their playoff placing; their value cannot be understated. They’re all tied up with the Ravens, who both sit at 10-5, but are only separated by one conference win. Every game is a must win for Pittsburgh if they hope to win the AFC North. And they have no easy task in the Kansas City Chief this week on Christmas day, who sit atop the entire AFC. Both these teams will make the playoffs, but home-field advantage is on the line for the Steelers. So, let’s see what we got in these two teams.

The Steelers are on a little bit of a slide. They lost three out of the last five games. Two of those losses came to playoff teams, (the Ravens and Eagles), but they also dropped one to the Browns, which in this stretch of the season, was a bad loss. They got man-handled by the Ravens, losing 34-17, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many Pittsburgh fans and members of their organization. Especially after losing handily to the Eagles the week before. They had a better offensive game against Baltimore than they did against Philadelphia. They put up 315 yards of total offense, versus the 163 they put up the week prior, but they still weren’t even close. They gave up 61 points and 819 yards in the last two weeks. That is not even remotely close to good when you’re a top team in your conference trying to get ready for the playoffs. Considering your defense is the cornerstone of your team, that is very bad for the outlook for your team. Pittsburgh needs, to shake whatever rust or curse they got on their back, produce offensively against a tough defense, and play every game like their lives depend on it. It doesn’t, but let’s not drop these games.

The Chiefs sit at 14-1, and after winning another game by just one score, I don’t really know what to say. Good job? Do better? I don’t know. They keep winning, so I guess that’s something. That’s good, right? 14 wins, 1 loss? I can only really say one thing, which is just carry on as you’re going. It’s not pretty, or even remotely relaxing, but they’re winning. Middle of the pack offensively, but 3rd in total defense. Counterbalance; can’t get too overloaded on one side, I guess. They’re still winning most games by one score, so I hope they find their ability to finish games more comfortably come playoff time, but like I said, just keep going? Take out a weaker Steelers team that has been struggling offensively and just keep collecting wins. Come playoff time, I’m going to be very interested in how this team performs if they can win their first game. Probable Chiefs win on Christmas.

POSTGAME:

We could make this post about the Chiefs winning, but I’m going to make it about the Steelers losing. They had three games in ten days, which is tough, but they lost by at least 14 points in each game. Against playoff teams. The Eagles, Ravens, and now the Chiefs. They looked outclassed, like they were on a different playing field than the other teams. Russell Wilson is struggling, only recording 550 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs in his last three games. He has looked distressed, uncomfortable, and unable to find a rhythm, as Pittsburgh has been unable to score more than 17 points in those last three games. And conversely, their defense has given up a minimum of 27 points in those games as well. Not good. The Chiefs get their home field advantage for the playoffs and lock up the #1 seed in the AFC, and the Steelers while still having a playoff spot secured, face a hungry Bengals team, needing a win to keep their hopes alive.