KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs' reward in ESPN's Power Rankings for beating the St. Louis Rams 34-7 was to drop a spot this week. The Chiefs are 15th, down from 14 last week.
The 4-3 Chiefs were jumped by the 5-3 Pittsburgh Steelers, who won a home game 51-34 against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday. A lopsided win over the Colts is more impressive than one against the Rams. But should it have vaulted the Steelers over the Chiefs? Maybe, but I'll argue Pittsburgh's win over Indianapolis is not as impressive as what the Chiefs did against the New England Patriots earlier this season in a Monday night game.
The Chiefs and Steelers will settle the issue in a Dec. 21 game to be played at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field. The game looks like it will carry serious playoff ramifications.
It might be difficult for the Chiefs to climb much, if at all, in next week's Power Rankings. They play Sunday against the 1-7 New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. The Jets are 30th in this week's poll.