The Kansas City Chiefs might not be home for Christmas, but they’ll be home for the playoffs.
K.C.’s bunch is feeling holly and jolly after a 29-10 blowout win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh, securing the AFC’s top seed in the process. That present left under the tree also comes with a first-round bye, something the Chiefs will need before gearing up for the chance at a three-peat.
While the Chiefs celebrate an easy victory, Pittsburgh was visited by the ghost of Christmas future. In a potential playoff preview, the Steelers looked overmatched all afternoon, struggling to keep up with the AFC’s juggernaut.
Missed opportunities and untimely turnovers were ultimately Pittsburgh’s undoing in what is its third consecutive loss. The offense has struggled to produce during that span, averaging just 13.3 points per game, and is becoming a major issue that could derail their dreams of making a long postseason run.
This is also the third consecutive week that Pittsburgh has failed to hold its opponent to under 27 points, which has only highlighted the offense’s shortcomings. The Steelers no longer control their own destiny for the AFC North crown, with the Baltimore Ravens able to take the division if they win their last two games.
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On the opposite side, Patrick Mahomes is looking like he never suffered an ankle injury. The quarterback is moving and grooving with ease out there, toying with defenses and having fun while doing it.
Regardless, it’s all smiles in Kansas City, as the Chiefs have assumed their perch atop the league once again. Turns out, that franchise might just be Santa’s favorite.
Here’s a look at how the action unfolded on Christmas day in Pittsburgh.
AFC North standings
The Steelers no longer control their own destiny in the AFC North race. If the Ravens win their final two games, they clinch the division. Here’s a look at the standings heading into the second half of the Christmas doubleheader.
Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Chiefs clinch AFC No. 1 seed
With the win, the Chiefs have clinched the AFC’s top spot, securing a bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They’ll wrap up the regular season next week in Denver, but can rest players without fear of losing any ground in the playoff picture. We should expect to see the starters in limited action at best in Week 18.
Steelers turnover on downs
With 10 minutes to go, the situation is getting dire for Pittsburgh. They are forced to go for it on fourth-and-20, but the pass falls incomplete and K.C. is in the driver’s seat.
Isiah Pacheco injury update
The Chiefs’ running back came off the field in pain after a carry early in the fourth quarter. The team is calling it a rib injury and he is questionable to return.
Steelers-Chiefs score: Travis Kelce passes Tony Gonzalez for most TD catches in franchise history
Well, this one might be a wrap. Hopefully it’s some of that good, decorative wrapping paper though. The Chiefs turn the Freiermuth fumble into a touchdown, a record-breaking one at that. Mahomes finds Kelce for six, No. 77 of his K.C. career, and the tight end passes Tony Gonzalez for the most touchdown catches in franchise history.
To celebrate the occasion, Kelce breaks out the signature dunk celebration that Gonzalez was known for, but the no fun league was having none of that, even on a holiday. Craig Wrolstad, known as Ebenezer Wrolstad on this day, tosses a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct for the celly. It’s unlikely Kelce, or anyone really cares, especially up 19. Chiefs 29, Steelers 10
Pat Freiermuth’s fumble gives the Chiefs the ball back
Needing a score with time winding down, the Steelers must’ve visited with the Grinch instead of Santa. Everyone is getting sick this time of year and Freiermuth coughing up the fumble is just insult to injury. K.C. takes over threatening to score again.
Steelers-Chiefs score: Kareem Hunt punches it in for the TD
K.C. kicks off the fourth quarter by adding to its lead, this time with a rushing touchdown from Hunt. In the place that used to be known as Heinz Field, it’s fitting that another ketchup brand, Hunt’s, got in on the fun. The two-point conversion attempt, however, like Harry and Marv’s attempt to rob Kevin in ‘Home Alone,’ is unsuccessful. Chiefs 22, Steelers 10
Steelers-Chiefs score: Chris Boswell cuts into the KC lead with a FG
Anything Butker can do, Boswell can do better, at least in this case. The Pittsburgh kicker knocks through the 36-yard field goal attempt to cut the deficit back to six. Chiefs 16, Steelers 10
Justin Reid injury update
After momentarily leaving the action, the Chiefs’ safety was evaluated for a concussion, but cleared to return, per the broadcast.
Steelers-Chiefs score: Harrison Butker extends the KC lead with FG
The first drive of the second half doesn’t end in the end zone for the Chiefs, but they do add three points to the board. Butker knocks through the 32-yard field goal to make this a two-possession game. Chiefs 16, Steelers 7
Is Taylor Swift at the Chiefs game today?
NFL fans will be treated to a halftime show performance from Beyoncé in the second half of the Christmas day doubleheader, but there is no sign of the pop star, Swift, in Pittsburgh today. Travis Kelce has been mostly quiet through one half, so those curious about the romance are likely disappointed to this point. The Chiefs won’t have another home game until the playoffs, so Swifties might be waiting into the new year for her next football appearance.
Halftime: Chiefs lead at the break
We’re halfway home on Christmas in Pittsburgh and the Chiefs have the 13-7 edge over the home side. K.C. came out of the gates hot, racing out to a 13-0 lead, but the game slowed and Pittsburgh got back into it. Neither side could get that coveted score in the final two minutes, but the Steelers do profile as more of a second-half team. They’re allowing the third-fewest points per game in the final two quarters, 8.6, so this could get tight down the stretch. The Chiefs get the ball to start the third quarter.
Two-minute warning: Steelers driving for a score before the half
After a couple of uneventful drives, Pittsburgh is aiming to put some more points on the board before we reach halftime. Bailed out by a Chiefs’ penalty on fourth down, the Steelers have the ball with a second-and-long at their own 48.
Who is announcing the Steelers vs. Chiefs game?
A new broadcast means there are some new combinations in the broadcast booth. Luckily for NFL fans, these are familiar voices for the Steelers vs. Chiefs contest, with Ian Eagle handling the play-by-play while J.J. Watt and Nate Burleson provide analysis. All three are typically part of the NFL on CBS for football Sundays.
How much did Netflix pay for NFL Christmas games?
Netflix struck a deal with the NFL for three seasons, giving them the rights to broadcast today’s games. The streaming giant gave the league 150 million reasons to take the deal, courtesy of the $150 million check they cut. In other words, Netflix paid $75 million for just the Steelers vs. Chiefs game, with the other $75 going to the Texans vs. Ravens contest later on.
Steelers-Chiefs score: Russell Wilson runs in for the TD
It appears the Steelers are going to let Russ cook on this holiday. Pittsburgh gets the response they were looking for, as Wilson caps off the 11-play, 72-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. The paying fans in attendance rejoice as their team gets back into the game. Chiefs 13, Steelers 7
End of first quarter: Chiefs in control early
We’ve seen a few flashes from the Steelers, but the Chiefs look like a team that has some great gifts under the tree to play with. K.C. is looking to take care of business quickly. For a squad that’s struggled to pull away, the next score will tell us whether we’re in for a blowout or a close fight to the finish.
Steelers’ TD called back, Russell Wilson tosses an interception
You’ve heard of the ‘Nightmare before Christmas,’ but the ‘Nightmare on Christmas’ might be more relevant now. Pittsburgh punched it into the end zone with a run from Jaylen Warren, but Darnell Washington’s holding penalty negated the score. On the next play of football, Russell Wilson gave to us an interception. Bah humbug.
Steelers-Chiefs score: Justin Watson extends the Kansas City lead with TD catch
Moments after the Mahomes highlight, the quarterback follows it up with a 49-yard dart to Justin Watson. A few plays later, it’s Mahomes-to-Watson again, this time for six. Butker adds on the extra point, giving Kansas City the two-score lead. The Steelers offense needs to get going quickly. Chiefs 13, Steelers 0
Highlight: Patrick Mahomes flips it to Samaje Perine for the first down
Mahomes is toying with the mighty Steelers defense, this time pulling off a little flip to Perine, picking up 14 yards and the first down. You’ll want to get a look at this.
Steelers-Chiefs score: Xavier Worthy opens the scoring with TD catch
Eight plays, 42 yards and 3:59 later and the Chiefs are dancing in the end zone. Patrick Mahomes finds Xavier Worthy for the 7-yard touchdown out of the backfield. However, Harrison Butker pushes a 48-yard extra point wide right after Worthy committed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following the score. Guess you can say Worthy is worthy of a spot on the naughty list. Chiefs 6, Steelers 0
Netflix NFL scorebug
If you were wondering what the NFL on Netflix would look like, wonder no more. The streamer has debuted a fancy scorebug for the big occasion.
Steelers go three-and-out on opening drive
Pittsburgh didn’t get the start it was hoping for, with a quick punt less than two minutes into the game. The Steelers flirted with disaster, but Russell Wilson was able to recover a fumble before it got out of control. However, Nikko Remigio came up with a big return, resulting in just a nine yard net on the punt.
Steelers vs. Chiefs start time
Start time: 1 p.m. ET (Noon CT)
The Steelers vs. Chiefs Christmas matchup will kick off at 1 p.m. ET, noon CT.
Steelers vs. Chiefs TV channel, live stream
Live stream: Netflix
TV channel (local):
The Steelers-Chiefs Christmas Day matchup will air exclusively on Netflix for a national audience. For viewers in local markets, the game will air on CBS. In Kansas City, that’s KCTV5, while fans in Pittsburgh should tune in to KDKA-TV.
Steelers vs. Chiefs predictions, picks
Who will find a lump of coal in their stocking? Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels about the Steelers-Chiefs tilt on Christmas:
Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 25, Steelers 17
Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 25, Steelers 20
Richard Morin: Chiefs 25, Steelers 23
Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 20, Steelers 17
Steelers vs. Chiefs live stream
Live stream: Netflix
For Christmas Day viewers looking to watch the Steelers-Chiefs game, you can turn to Netflix. Netflix is the exclusive home of both Christmas Day games.
Steelers vs. Chiefs odds, moneyline, over/under
The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Steelers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
Spread: Chiefs (-3)
Moneyline: Chiefs (-160); Steelers (+135)
Over/under: 43.5
Where is Steelers vs. Chiefs?
The Steelers and Chiefs clash in Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Christmas.
Chiefs inactives vs. Steelers
Chamarri Conner, DB
Joshua Uche, DE
C.J. Hanson, OL
D.J. Humphries, OL
Ethan Driskell, OT
Malik Herring, DE
Chris Jones, DT
Steelers inactives vs. Chiefs
Justin Fields, QB
Ben Skowronek, WR
Joey Porter Jr., CB
Preston Smith, DE
Dean Lowry, DE
Chris Jones out for Chiefs vs. Steelers
The Kansas City Chiefs started Christmas Day with a lump of coal, as defensive tackle Chris Jones will miss Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a calf injury.
Jones left Saturday’s victory against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter and didn’t return. He was listed as ‘DNP’ in a practice participation estimate for Sunday and did not practice Monday; Chiefs head coach Andy Reid seemed discouraged about Jones’ chances of playing when asked two hours before kickoff. — Chris Bumbaca
Steelers vs. Chiefs weather updates
Fans hoping to see Mother Nature get involved on Wednesday may be in a little bit of luck. Temperatures around kickoff should hover around freezing and there’s a slight chance of precipitation (10%).
What happened to Patrick Mahomes?
Mahomes suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ win over the Browns. He tried to move around the pocket while attempting a pass on a fourth-and-3, but his protection collapsed in on him.
Mahomes was able to get up eventually but slowly hobbled to the sideline. He had his right ankle heavily taped on the bench and was ruled ‘questionable’ to return. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz played the final five minutes of the game in his stead.
Mahomes didn’t miss any time. He played in the Week 16 matchup vs. the Texans and looked just fine.
NFL best bets: Steelers vs. Chiefs
Looking to make the Steelers-Chiefs matchup more interesting? Here are some of the best bets:
Xavier Worthy OVER 4.5 receptions;
Samaje Perine OVER 9.5 receiving yards;
Travis Kelce anytime TD.
