NFL Predictions: Steelers vs. Chiefs Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Sunday, 27 November 2011 19:45

It’s time for predictions in the Sunday night NFL late game between the Steelers and the Chiefs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) go on the road this week to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (4-6), and our preview aims to figure out what to expect.  The start time of the Steelers vs. Chiefs is 8:20 PM ET, and you can catch the game live on the NBC channel.

5Dimes Sportsbook has the road-team Steelers as 10.5-point favorites, while the total currently sits 40.5 according to their NFL odds.  The last meeting between these teams came back in 2009 when the Chiefs pulled off a 27-24 upset.  Kansas City was at home and a 10.5-point underdog in that clash as well, so there is precedent for another upset if you believe that history repeats itself.

Steelers’ Offense vs. Chiefs’ Defense:

Pittsburgh hasn’t consistently run the ball this year, but their passing attack is getting the job done.  The Steelers average 22.0 points per game on nearly 275 passing yards each time out, and they’ll be going up against a Kansas City defense that allows 25.2 points on the season.  Pittsburgh can score quite a few points when they are able to run the ball, and the Chiefs have done a poor job of stopping the run this season.

Chiefs’ Offense vs. Steelers’ Defense:

Quarterback Matt Cassel broke his throwing hand and was placed on injured reserve, and backup Tyler Palko (277 yards, 65.9%, 0 TD, 3 INT) made quite a few mistakes in his start last time out.  The team signed Kyle Orton after the Denver Broncos released the veteran, but it doesn’t appear likely that he’ll be ready to see action in tonight’s game.  The Chiefs have run the ball well this season but their lack of a passing attack has them averaging just 14.4 points per game.  Kansas City scored just 3 points with Palko at quarterback against the New England Patriots last week, and they’ll have another rough go against a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed just 73.0 rushing yards per game over their last 3 contests.

Steelers vs. Chiefs Predictions:

The Chiefs have given up big points against the better offenses they’ve faced this year, and I just don’t trust the team with Palko as the starter.  Pittsburgh might find some resistance when trying to move the ball early, but ultimately I see the Steelers blowing the doors open once they settle down.  Kansas City won’t be able to move the ball and will consistently give Pittsburgh solid field position, and Ben Roethlisberger is good enough to make them pay for the mistakes.  My predictions call for the Steelers and the under to both be winners.

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Steelers 27

Chiefs 10