Here are four players to watch when the KC Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers
After finishing 12-5 in the regular season, the Chiefs open the postseason Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) at Arrowhead Stadium.
On paper, this shouldn’t be a close game. The Chiefs are favored by 12.5 points and beat the Steelers here 36-10 in late December.
But don’t expect the Steelers to wave the white flag. Pittsburgh is a proud and storied franchise, so look for their best effort Sunday.
Here are some players to keep an eye on Sunday night.
Chiefs pass rusher Melvin Ingram
Ingram might be extra-juiced for this game the second time around, especially given what’s at stake.
In Week 16, he didn’t record a stat on 29 snaps, but the Chiefs rolled anyway. The defense made wholesale personnel changes in the second half of that lopsided game, including resting Ingram and most other defensive starters and key rotational players.
This time around, with the winner advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs, look for an impact play or two from Ingram against the team with which he started the season.
Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) didn’t practice Thursday, an ominous sign after he was limited Wednesday. Darrel Williams, who is dealing with a toe injury, did practice Thursday, so he may get the start.
If Edwards-Helaire can’t play, the Chiefs will continue to spread carries between Williams, McKinnon and Derrick Gore. McKinnon totaled 50 yards and a touchdown in the regular-season finale, and his receiving ability could be showcased on Sunday.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
OK, this is an obvious one because he’s been a mega-star throughout his career. But the signal-caller known as “Big Ben” might retire this offseason, so he’s worth watching for appreciation’s sake.
Roethlisberger is one of the league’s more accomplished quarterbacks over the past 18 seasons, winning two Super Bowls and earning selections to six Pro Bowls. While he’s clearly beyond his prime, Roethlisberger has given NFL fans some shining moments. Don’t be surprised if he provides another on Sunday night.
Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt
Watt was dealing with a rib injury the last time these teams met and played on just 38 of an available 69 defensive snaps (55%). Now healthy, he played 79% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps in Week 17 and 86% in Week 18.
This guy is a menace. He tied the NFL’s single-season record for sacks (22.5) in 2021. The Chiefs’ offensive line, especially right tackle Andrew Wylie, must account for one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers Sunday night.
This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
