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Estimated studying time: 6 minutes
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KC@PIT | BLT@HST
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Storyline of the Game: AFC Playoff preview between Division leaders
The Kansas City Chiefs are only one win away from clinching the AFC’s high seed and securing home-field benefit all through the playoffs. Facing street matchups towards Pittsburgh and Denver to shut out the common season, anticipate KC to drag out all of the stops of their pursuit of the convention’s high spot and the coveted first-round bye.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers discover themselves in a heated battle to take care of their slim lead atop the AFC North following Saturday’s loss to the Ravens. While they at the moment maintain the tiebreaker on account of convention document, a difficult remaining schedule means each snap will likely be vital as they struggle to safe the division crown.
Matchups to Watch: Steelers ED Alex Highsmith vs Chiefs G/T Joe Thuney
While Joe Thuney’s willingness to step in wherever wanted is commendable, his transition to the sting has uncovered some vulnerabilities. Since transferring outdoors, the veteran has struggled in cross safety, incomes only a 53.4 PFF pass-blocking grade and permitting a 16.1% strain charge.
This presents a big problem towards Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who has been dominant since getting back from harm. Over his final three video games, Highsmith has racked up 15 pressures, together with a sack in every contest, and boasts a powerful 90.6 PFF pass-rush grade throughout that span.
Additional News
• Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. (calf/knee) was unable to return in Week 16, and his standing stays unclear on a brief week.
• Steelers WR George Pickens (hamstring) is progressing towards a potential return this week.
• Kansas City is coping with a number of key accidents, with defensive again Chamarri Conner (concussion), offensive deal with D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and inside defender Chris Jones (calf) all coming into query on a brief week.
Baltimore Ravens (-5) vs. Houston Texans
Storyline of the Game: Possible AFC wild-card spherical preview
Baltimore’s commanding win over Pittsburgh on Saturday clinched a playoff spot and positioned the Ravens for a possible run on the AFC North crown. However, they’ll want a Steelers slip-up and should deal with their very own enterprise to take the division, as they at the moment path Pittsburgh by one convention win.
Houston, in the meantime, has already secured the AFC South and now eyes a better seed. A victory right here would maintain them within the race to surpass the AFC North winner, avoiding a more durable first-round playoff matchup. A loss, nevertheless, would possible lock the Texans into the four-seed, organising a conflict with the runner-up within the North.
Matchups to Watch: Ravens S Kyle Hamilton vs. Texans QB C.J. Stroud
The Ravens’ resolution to maneuver Kyle Hamilton from the slot to the again finish has revitalized their protection unit. The proficient security’s means to supervise the secondary and skim performs as they unfold has been transformative, propelling Baltimore to the league’s high spot in EPA allowed per dropback for the reason that shift in Week 11.
On the opposite aspect, C.J. Stroud has stepped up his sport with playoff positioning at stake. Since Week 13, the Texans quarterback has earned the third-highest PFF passing grade (86.5) within the NFL, trailing solely Joe Burrow and his Week 16 opponent, Lamar Jackson.
Additional News
• Texans WR Tank Dell (knee) was transported to a Kansas City-area hospital after struggling a dislocated kneecap and torn ALC. He is anticipated to overlook a big period of time.
• Ravens RB Justice Hill (concussion) might miss this matchup on a brief week, opening the door for RBs Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali to probably fill in.
• Houston has claimed former Ravens WR Diontae Johnson on waivers.