Fansided

NFL schedule release: 10 best games of 2017

By John Buhler

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) attempts the tackle in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Pittsburgh won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) attempts the tackle in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Pittsburgh won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs

Here is a game that could be very impactful for seeding in the AFC playoff picture: Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs. These two teams should be in the playoff mix in the AFC again this fall, as they won their respective divisions last fall.

They met twice in 2016, once during the regular and once during the AFC Playoffs: Pittsburgh came out on top both times. One could easily argue that Kansas City’s two most painful losses last season came at the hands of the Steelers. The Sunday Night Football embarrassment at Heinz Field by Kansas City only foreshadowed their pathetic display of protecting home field in the AFC Playoffs.

Pittsburgh crushed Kansas City early in the season 43-14 in primetime. All the Steelers needed to get to the 2016 AFC Championship was six field goals from kicker Chris Boswell. Kansas City would waste its No. 2 seed in the AFC by falling at home to the Pittsburgh, 18-16.

We know that Pittsburgh’s may be one of the most complete in football. Kansas City should be stout defensively. What this big regular season matchup will come down to is if Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith can move the sticks enough to ignite a middling Chiefs offense.

The winner of this game could end up being the team most likely to knock off the New England Patriots in the AFC Playoffs. Pittsburgh was that semi-worthy adversary for the Patriots last year. This is a must-win redemption game for the Chiefs at home.

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