Subscribe
Follow Us
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday for their Week 16 matchup. The Chiefs have been struggling with a major COVID-19 outbreak, affecting multiple parts of their roster. If they are able to come out of Week 16 with a win, it will increase their lead at the top of the AFC West. Let's take a look at my boldest predictions for the AFC matchup.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Chiefs Week 16 Predictions
4. Reinforcements return
As noted earlier, the Chiefs have recently been plagued by COVID-19, and it's taking a huge toll on the team's starters. On Monday, tight end Travis Kelce was added to the Chiefs' COVID-19 list. Just one day later, wide receiver Tyreek Hill joined Kelce and other teammates, including Charvarius Ward and Lucas Niang.
For more insight on the Chiefs' Week 16 matchup against the Steelers, listen below:
Obviously, Hill and Kelce are major offensive weapons for Patrick Mahomes. They are the most notable names on the COVID-19 list for the team as of Thursday night, but I don't think that will be the case for long. There is still a very good chance that they could be activated to play in Week 16's game in Kansas City.
KC Sports Network podcast host Kent Swanson had a good point Thursday afternoon. He tweeted that Ward was put on the COVID-19 list on Monday and was removed from the list just two days later. If Ward was able to test out of protocols that quickly, there is a good chance that Kelce and Hill could as well.
Charvarius Ward went on the COVID list on Monday, the same day as Travis Kelce. Tyreek Hill went on Tuesday.
Ward's removal from that list is encouraging for other cases.
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) December 23, 2021
That in mind, expect both stars to suit up for the Sunday afternoon game. They'll be out there, and they'll come up big for the Chiefs.
Article Continues Below
3. Mahomes insane passing game
It's no secret that the Chiefs have been absolutely dominating in the second half of the season. Mahomes has put up ridiculous numbers this season. He has thrown for at least 400 yards in two games, and at least 300 yards in five games. Just last week, Mahomes connected for 410 yards in the Chiefs' overtime win against the Chargers.
Especially if Hill and Kelce are available, Mahomes is going to dominate in the passing game. Expect at least 300 passing yards and at least two passing touchdowns from the Kansas City quarterback on Sunday.
2. High scoring game
If you were debating on whether or not to take the over for the Chiefs vs Steelers, do it. There is no way that this game doesn't entertain with multiple rushing and receiving touchdowns from both teams. In the Chiefs' last seven games, they have averaged 28.14 points per game. They put up over 40 points in two of those games (41-14 in Week 10 and 48-9 in Week 14, both against the Las Vegas Raiders).
In recent weeks, Kansas City's defense hasn't allowed for many points — except for last week. The defense is trending more towards the beginning of the season when it comes to points allowed. Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers put up 28 points against the Chiefs last week, which could easily happen again with Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
1. Another win for KC
While the Kansas City defense might be going in the wrong direction, it shouldn't be enough to cost them the game. The Chiefs will go into the new year on an eight-game winning streak, dating all the way back to their Week 8 win over the New York Giants. Finally, my boldest prediction yet: Chiefs win 36-30.
