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Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Storyline of the Recreation: AFC Playoff preview between Division leaders
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are only one win away from clinching the AFC’s prime seed and securing home-field benefit all through the playoffs. Dealing with highway matchups in opposition to Pittsburgh and Denver to shut out the common season, count on KC to drag out all of the stops of their pursuit of the convention’s prime spot and the coveted first-round bye.
In the meantime, 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. Whereas they at present maintain the tiebreaker resulting from convention report, a difficult remaining schedule means each snap can be important as they battle to safe the division crown.
Matchups to Watch: Steelers ED Alex Highsmith vs Chiefs G/T Joe Thuney
Whereas Joe Thuney’s willingness to step in wherever wanted is commendable, his transition to the sting has uncovered some vulnerabilities. Since transferring exterior, the veteran has struggled in go safety, incomes only a 53.4 PFF pass-blocking grade and permitting a 16.1% strain charge.
This presents a big problem in opposition to Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who has been dominant since coming back from damage. 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.
Extra Information
• 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 Metropolis 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 Recreation: Potential 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. Nevertheless, they’ll want a Steelers slip-up and should deal with their very own enterprise to take the division, as they at present 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 preserve them within the race to surpass the AFC North winner, avoiding a more durable first-round playoff matchup. A loss, nevertheless, would probably 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 gifted security’s potential to supervise the secondary and browse performs as they unfold has been transformative, propelling Baltimore to the league’s prime spot in EPA allowed per dropback for the reason that shift in Week 11.
On the opposite facet, C.J. Stroud has stepped up his recreation 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.
Extra Information
• Texans WR Tank Dell (knee) was transported to a Kansas Metropolis-area hospital after struggling a dislocated kneecap and torn ALC. He’s anticipated to overlook a big period of time.
• Ravens RB Justice Hill (concussion) could miss this matchup on a brief week, opening the door for RBs Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali to doubtlessly fill in.
• Houston has claimed former Ravens WR Diontae Johnson on waivers.
