3 remaining games that will determine the Steelers playoff fate

Week 16: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes has demonstrated his resilience at quarterback multiple times throughout his career. This season he has shown much of the same. Andy Reid and his staff challenged the leaders of his team to step up after starting the season with a 3-4 record. His fifth-year quarterback was one of the first to accept the challenge.

Kansas City’s offense began to come alive after weeks of struggling early in the season. Playmakers such as Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce made it their goal to become more involved in the team’s success. According to ESPN.com, Hill and Kelce account for fifty-four percent of Patrick Mahomes’ passing yards this season. Their electrifying performances propelled the team from fourth to first place in the AFC West.

Keith Butler and the Pittsburgh defense have had a hard time shutting down opposing offenses. According to ESPN, the Steelers have been outscored 97- 63 during their last three matchups. Many blame the team’s two-game losing streak on their absent defense. As the race to the AFC playoff picture continues, the importance of each regular-season game will increase. Franchises like the Steelers must be prepared to defeat any team that stands in their way to qualify for the upcoming postseason. When these two teams face off in week 16, the Steelers must be prepared to eliminate Kansas City’s big playability.