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The Pittsburgh Steelers have roared out of the gate and find themselves a sterling 10-0. With destiny in their own hands the Steelers should reclaim the AFC North title for the first time since 2017, barring a monumental and historic collapse of course. The Steelers have a clear and direct path to the playoffs, and if they continue this winning streak they might just find themselves with a first round bye.
Now, if you haven't watched football at all this year and you read the above paragraph you might think the Steelers are a lock to have a long and fruitful playoff run. However, as we sit here today there is a vocal portion of NFL fans that believe this team has no hope when/if they go up against the Kansas City Chiefs. The reigning Super Bowl champions are off to a hot start to the 2020 season as well. Holding a 10-1 record the Chiefs are hot on the Steelers heels for first place in the AFC.
After knocking off the Buccaneers by just three points however, fans and analysts are starting to crown the Chiefs as some sort of unstoppable force. Even people in Pittsburgh are talking about how it will just be nice to make it far enough in the playoffs to take on the Chiefs.
I want to believe the Steelers would beat the Chiefs. But this isn’t helping.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) November 29, 2020
To be honest, I think these are some of the worst takes floating around the sporting world today. The Pittsburgh Steelers were crafted to go head to head with these Chiefs. For starters the Steelers are five deep at cornerback, and have enough talent to match the Chiefs lauded receiving unit. Terrell Edmunds has developed into a tight end eraser, and just needs to limit Travis Kelce’s impact on the game. Finally the Steelers front seven can overpower the Chiefs depleted offensive line, and if the likes of the NFL’s defensive player of the year front runner, T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree can get to Patrick Mahomes then I would really like the Steelers chances to win the game.
Offensively, I like the Steelers depth at receiver so much that I don't think the Chiefs would be able to cover everyone. The fourth and fifth receiver in the Steelers spread set are typically a combination of James Washington, Eric Ebron, or Ray Ray McCloud. Now do you think Rashad Fenton matches up well with Eric Ebron? What about 5’9” Tyrann Mathieu on 6’4” Chase Claypool? The Steelers giants matchup favorably against the Chiefs. To be honest, I even like the Steelers offensive line to hold their own against the Chiefs pass rush as well.
The same can be broken down about any other team in the NFL. Just say the team and the Steelers likely have a player or two that won't be stopped in the matchup. Sure, the game might be close. But, the Steelers are going to win those games more often than not.
It’s OK to think the Chiefs are the best team in football right now. Been saying that all along - it isn’t a knock on the Steelers.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) November 29, 2020
They are the champ until you take the belt away and beat them in the playoffs. Being undefeated now doesn’t automatically make you the best.
The fact of the matter is the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the best teams in football, and they should fear no one. While there is something to be said about “if you’re going to be the man, you gotta beat the man” the Chiefs were 2019’s man and 2020 is the year of the Steelers.
What do you think? Can the Pittsburgh Steelers knock off any team in the NFL this year? Let us know your answer down in the comments below.