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We have reached the business end of the season now and with Christmas just around the corner, the NFL have given their fans a couple of early presents, as there are two important games with AFC playoff implications.

First up is the Houston Texans (9-5) travelling to Arrowhead to face the Kansas City Chiefs (13-1). The Texans have already won the AFC South Division and currently hold the 4th seed in the playoffs, but will want to improve their position with a win and a defeat for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but more on them shortly.

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The Chiefs, have also won their division, the AFC West, and are currently the number one seed in the AFC, although they are not playing that well. So far this season the Chiefs have won 10 of their games by one score or less. Their one loss came against the Buffalo Bills, who sit in the 2nd seed spot and are breathing down the necks of the Chiefs. One slip up and the Bills could take the number one seed.

They just seem to find a way to win. They have blocked a game winning field goal against the Broncos, and needed a field goal off the post to beat the Chargers in week 14 to clinch the AFC West division.

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is 335 from 502 for 3348 yards with 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, ranking him 10th in total yards. Although his figures are good, he has not been on top form, as 11 Interceptions is joint 6th highest and he is tied 9th for touchdowns. He also suffered a ankle injury in the last game, which may cause issues throughout the game.

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He is going up against the 4th best Defense in total offense yards with the Texans, who allow an average 302.4 yards a game. The Texans Defense also have allowed 21.4 points per game (ppg) which is the 9th best. The Chiefs Offense average 23.5 ppg, which is 12th highest. The Texans Offense score an average 23.4 ppg, with the Chiefs Defense only allowing 18.5 ppg, which is the 4th best.

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Texans QB CJ Stroud, in his 2nd season, has been impressive. He is 290 from 456 for 3248 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions, ranking him 12th in total yards. The Texans have won six of their nine wins by less than five points, with three losses also by less than five points.

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The second game of the night sees a massive AFC North clash as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face off divisional rivals the Baltimore Ravens. Although the Steelers have clinched a playoff spot, the AFC North is still up for grabs, as well as home field advantage in that playoff game.

Currently the Steelers hold the number three seed, with the Ravens sitting in 5th going into this game. The Steelers beat the Ravens 18-16 at home in week 11. A win for the Ravens will put them back in contention for the AFC North title and that all-important home field advantage. A Steelers win cements their spot at the summit and still gives them a chance at the number one seed.

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The Ravens Offense are reliant on the running power of Derrick Henry and the speed of Lamar Jackson, as well as his arm talent. Jackson is the reigning MVP and is high on a lot of peoples lists to retain that award. He is 275 from 404 for 3580 yards with 34 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He is ranked 2nd for touchdowns and 5th for yards thrown. He also rushed for 743 yards from 117 attempts with three touchdowns.

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Derrick Henry has rushed for 1474 yards from 254 attempts with 13 touchdowns, and is ranked 2nd behind Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley. He is one of eight running backs to have 2000+ yards in a season, with the likes of Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson and Eric Dickerson. No running back has ever had two 2000+ yard seasons, and Henry was on course for such a feat, but will probably just miss out.

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The Steelers have shared the QB position this season. Justin Fields started the first six games and was doing well. he was 106 from 161 for 1106 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. However, week seven saw Russell Wilson become the starter and has been ever since. In his eight games, Wilson is 152 from 235 for 1912 yards with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions.

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Steelers RB Najee Harris is ranked 14th in total yards with 891 from 229 attempts and five touchdowns, averaging 63.6 yards per game. The Steelers top receiver is George Pickens, who has 850 yards from 55 receptions (90 targets) and three touchdowns, averaging 70.8 yards per game.

Predictions – The Chiefs win another tight one against the Texans, and the Steelers continue to march toward the AFC North title with a win in Baltimore.

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