The Kansas City Chiefs visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day for a crucial AFC matchup at Acrisure Stadium. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET, featuring the top teams in the AFC West and AFC North. Kansas City sits at 14-1 and looks to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed, while Pittsburgh, at 10-5, aims to secure their division with a win.
Both teams are coming off short rest, having played just days ago. The Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 27-19, while the Steelers fell to the Baltimore Ravens 34-17. Kansas City has won the last three meetings between these teams, including a playoff game in January 2022. The Steelers will try to reverse that trend with their playoff hopes on the line.
Chiefs Preview – Aiming for Perfection
Kansas City enters this game with momentum, winning five straight games without committing a turnover. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been efficient, throwing eight touchdowns and no interceptions during this stretch. Despite a sore ankle, Mahomes is expected to lead the offense, which ranks 12th in passing yards per game.
The Chiefs’ defense has been reliable, ranking 10th in total yards allowed. Chris Jones, their standout defensive tackle, is questionable for this game but remains a critical part of their interior defense. Kansas City’s ability to stop the run will be tested against Pittsburgh’s physical rushing attack led by Najee Harris.
Injuries are a concern for Kansas City, with key players like left tackle D.J. Humphries and defensive back Chamarri Conner ruled out. Nevertheless, the Chiefs’ depth and balanced attack make them a tough team to beat, especially with the stakes as high as the AFC’s top seed.
Steelers Preview – Battling for the Division
Pittsburgh faces a must-win game to keep their AFC North title hopes alive. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been solid this season but struggled against Baltimore with two costly turnovers. Head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed confidence in Wilson’s ability to bounce back against a tough Kansas City defense.
The Steelers’ defense has been a bright spot, ranking 7th in rushing yards allowed. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith lead the pass rush, which could play a pivotal role in disrupting Mahomes. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is out with a knee injury, but standout receiver George Pickens returns after missing three games.
Pittsburgh will lean heavily on Najee Harris and their ground game to control the clock and limit Kansas City’s offensive opportunities. The Steelers are 5-1 at home this season, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in front of their home crowd.
Betting Prediction
Kansas City is a 2.5-point favorite, with the total set at 44 points. The Chiefs’ efficiency and ability to protect the football make them the safer pick, but Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage and defensive capabilities keep this game close. Expect a low-scoring battle with both teams relying on their defenses.
- Pick: Chiefs -2.5
- Predicted Score: Chiefs 24, Steelers 20
