1. It’s unclear how the least intriguing game of the weekend would end up in the Sunday night spot*, but I’m guessing you’re going to be tuning in anyway since the only viable counterprogramming is reruns of . (I think it’s the episode where they find a bone.)
It’s been the case all season: For the Steelers to stick around against quality opponents they need to get a couple takeaways and/or something like a blocked-punt touchdown. The Chiefs lost a whole heap of weird turnovers early in the season—which caused a collective freak out—so it’s within the realm of possibility. But it's hard to envision how the Steelers keep it close on Sunday night unless Chad Henne has to get involved. And even then…
Here’s what we know about the Steelers: They rush the passer well. (“They” being T.J. Watt, plus Cam Heyward getting in passing lanes.) And that’s about it. Their run defense, consistently among the best in the NFL, allowed the most rushing yards per attempt in the league and in franchise history (4.99). Their offense is largely built around Najee Harris creating something out of nothing; they have the league’s biggest abomination of a passing offense north of Miami.
Considering the majority of the television-watching world has had their fill of the Ben Roethlisberger Farewell Tour, this threatens to be some very unwatchable programming in the crown-jewel spot.
