While the Kansas City Chiefs have only been beaten once so far this season, they have been extremely fortunate to win several of their games. It took a controversial penalty call and a last-gasp field goal to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in week two. In their AFC West clash against the Denver Broncos, they once again enjoyed late field goal drama, this time blocking Wil Lutz’s attempted game-winner.
Despite a narrow defeat to the Buffalo Bills, they are still 11-1 after week 13, and after lifting the Lombardi in each of the last two seasons, it would take a brave punter to back against them. Following their recent displays though, the bookies are unconvinced. Websites providing online football betting options make the r igning champions a 5/1 joint-second-favourite, a stark contrast to preseason when they were a short-priced frontrunner.
They have already punched their tickets to the playoffs, but could one of these three sides derail their hopes of making history?
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have been one of the AFC’s elite teams in recent years, winning their division in each of the last four seasons. They look set to make it five on the spin so far this term, and they already hold a victory over the Chiefs, something that they will fancy themselves to replicate under the bright lights of the playoffs.
Led by quarterback Josh Allen, they boast one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The former University of Wyoming standout has matured into a dynamic dual-threat weapon, capable of breaking defenses with both his arm and legs. The connection between him and star wideout Amari Cooper is capable of shredding any secondary, including Kansas City’s.
On defense, Von Miller remains a game-changer when he’s fully fit and firing on all cylinders. But if the New York State side is to emerge victorious in a potential playoffs clash, they need to avoid getting into a shootout, a scenario where the mercurial Mahomes thrives. Instead, controlling the clock through efficient drives and leaning on their improved defensive front just as they did when the two teams clashed at Highmark could propel them to a first Super Bowl appearance since the 1990s.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers may not be led by a headline-grabbing offense, but their defensive prowess puts them squarely in the conversation as a team capable of taking down the Chiefs. Head coach Mike Tomlin’s squad is known for its gritty defense that can single-handedly decide games. They have conceded the least points in the league this season by some distance, and with KC struggling to put points on the board against even the weakest of teams, they could well struggle against the Yellow Wall.
TJ Watt has an uncanny ability to wreck game plans, and Kansas City’s offensive line would face a massive challenge in keeping him away from Mahomes. Pair him with Cameron Heyward and a rising star like Alex Highsmith, and it’s clear the Steelers have a front seven built to create chaos.
On the offensive side, there were low expectations for quarterback Russell Wilson, especially following his dismal displays in Denver last term. However, he looks to be back somewhat close to his best, and his big-game experience will be crucial in the playoffs. Add in playmakers like George Pickens and Najee Harris in the backfield, and there’s enough talent to keep defenses honest.
Pittsburgh won’t outscore the reigning champions, but they thrive when it comes to winning ugly. By forcing turnovers, dominating the trenches, and shortening the game, they can replicate the blueprint teams like the Bengals have used to stifle Mahomes. A low-scoring, grind-it-out game plays perfectly into Tomlin’s style, and a shock Super Bowl appearance is certainly not out of the realm of possibility.