Pittsburgh Steelers aim win vs Kansas City Chiefs to consolidate AFC North lead – NFL Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers aim for a win over the Kansas City Chiefs when they host the American Football Conference (AFC) West rivals this Monday (Nov. 12) to consolidate their lead further in AFC North.
With a win over the Chiefs the Steelers can have an opportunity to catch up with the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently leading the division.
The hosts are favourite for a win because the Chiefs appear to be struggling and have so far managed only single win in the AFC West, while lost 7 games.
Although a possibility of an upset cannot be ruled out given the Steelers have a habit of tumbling in front of less stronger teams, they look a better outfit at all positions.
The pace on the offensive line will be crucial to performance of all players and once Ben Roethlisberger gets going he will be difficult to stop for the Chiefs.
Most important development with the Steelers is that they have recently pulled themselves together after making a sluggish start to the season. After losing straight couple of games, they are now on a win streak, and if they managed to generate speed and
power on the offensive line, a win will be theirs.
Apparently, the QB and his receivers have been enjoying their game, but the team is struggling on the defensive line. Safety Troy Polamalu is out with a calf injury since the season started. He returned to action during a game in between but could not last
much longer before aggravating the injury to be on the sidelines for many more ties.
Linebacker James Harrison who had missed initial few games is back on the field but he is still to return to his natural hundred percent ability and strength. Meanwhile, the status of running back Rashard Mendenhall is unclear.
So, altogether the Steelers lack strength on the rushing and defensive positions. Will Allen might be on the starting line for Troy but how effectively he replaces the veteran is yet to be seen.
Given the Steelers have managed well without the veteran players, it is hoped that they can do the same in the next game. It also depends on the strategy of their visitors. Even though the Chiefs have only a single win on the table, they can certainly look
for another against the Steelers.
It is rather strange to see the Chiefs being down since beginning of the season. Their situation is similar to their AFC South counterpart the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the former is a rather mature side having a greater possibility and capability for pulling
off an upset.
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