1. No Interceptions for Troy through 10 games: Even after two 4th quarter interceptions in the 24-17 win over Cincinnati, the Steelers have just 6 takeaways and 4 INT's on the season. For this defense to peak the rest of the way and into the playoffs, Troy Polamalu has to become the game changer in the secondary. Polamalu through 10 games has 0 interceptions for just the second time in his career since becoming the team's starting safety in 2004. The last time Polamalu had 0 INT's in the first 10 games was in 2007 when he didn't record an interception that season.
2. Thanks to PTI's brilliant reporting, when they used this story AND the one about Kyle Orton being waived over Sydney Corsby's comeback, we now know the Patriots hold a playoff tie-breaker over the Steelers despite losing to them in Pittsburgh. Thanks boneheads.
3. Who's the best team in the AFC? The best answer is to just let it play out. It changes every week and in the AFC there isn't a dominant team like the Green Bay Packers in the NFC. It's hard to not like Pittsburgh in any match-up but the team that I fear as potentially the worst playoff match-up for the Steelers could be going on the road to Houston. However, Houston has never been there before and I have serious questions about Baltimore being able to get it done, even if they finally get to host a playoff game. Meanwhile, the Patriots are going to be there but New England's days of being a dominant playoff team are in the past. The safest bet at this point might be the defending AFC Champions, even if they don't win the AFC North.
4. A lot will be told in the next two weeks. The Ravens (of course) get a break by not only catching the 49ers on a short week but they also get to play them at home. The Steelers meanwhile, travel to SF next week. We have to root for the 49ers this week for two reasons: 1) It's unlikely they will lose two games in a row if they should fall to the Ravens and 2) They will hopefully soften up the 49ers for the Steelers.
5. Finally, as for the Chief's game, Kyle Orton will NOT make a difference but they HAD to make the move (for NEXT year).
- PREDICTION -
STEELERS 30 CHIEFS 10
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