Week 17 is about finalizing playoff spots. For some teams, it’s also about aiming for individual goals.
This year, the Texans and Chiefs are hoping to help their lead backs earn a rushing title. Texans running back Arian Foster has 1,436 yards, leading the Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles by 56 yards.
“I think it’s important to the team,” said Texans coach Gary Kubiak. “I think it’s important to the offense. Not me personally, but I think it’s something that’s hard to get in this league.”
As awesome as Foster has been, Charles has turned in the more impressive season. His 6.4 yards-per-carry average is almost unheard of. No one has come close to a mark like that since Jim Brown. Charles has thrown in 455 receiving yards.
“I might play a lot this week and I’m still trying to get the rushing title,” Charles told the team’s website.
Kansas City has been careful not to overwork Charles all year. With no bye week coming up, it seems unlikely they would go crazy to go after a stat title. Charles plays early in the day, so Foster will know how many yards he needs to get when he suits up in the late afternoon.