Week 16 saw the playoff picture become much more rigid. The Chiefs have secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Steelers finally got back to their winning ways and pulled off a magnificent comeback against the Colts and they will be able to clinch their division. However, I think the biggest news is not about a playoff team. It’s that the Jets won another game!
Can the Steelers end their losing streak and clinch the division?
Yes. The Steelers looked like they were in for another loss, but they played like a different team at halftime. I think the main problem for the Steelers is consistency. Even before they went on the three-day losing streak, there were multiple games where the offense was virtually nonexistent in the first half. If they want to have a good playoff push, the offense needs to get going quicker. Also, Big Ben needs to cut down on the mistakes. While he didn’t have any balls picked off against Indy, there were quite a few which were dropped by the Indy defense. I think if he can fix that and get going quicker, the Steelers will be Superbowl contenders once again.
Can Sam Darnold and the Jets win two in a row?
The Jets seem to have finally come to terms with the fact that they will not be getting Trevor Lawrence next year. However, after seeing them play against the Browns, it makes me wonder if they really should be taking a QB. It was pretty obvious that Darnolds was basically playing for his job, and I think he really stepped up. Going forward for the Jets, I think they will need a better receiver as Jamison Crowder would really benefit from having a young threat on the other side. I think the Jets may try to trade down and try to accumulate some extra picks as there are plenty of QB-needy teams who would love to get their hands on Justin Fields.
Can Kansas City clinch the number 1 seed?
Yes, but not how they would have liked. I think the Chiefs did not deserve to win that game against the Falcons. The Offense could not get anything to work against a Falcon defense that’s not that great. I think the Chiefs will want to try to spruce up their offense before the playoffs as they don’t want to become like the Steelers where you are so predictable you can’t win any games. I expect them to play their normal game next week, but I think there will be a few changes come playoff time.
That’s it for this article. Check back before Sunday’s game to know all that you need to watch for in the Week 17 matchups.
