The Kansas City Chiefs are set to clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers this Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium, with both teams eager to solidify their playoff standings. Scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, this high-stakes AFC matchup has already captured the attention of fans nationwide.
Coming off strong seasons, the Chiefs, with their impressive 14-1 record, have positioned themselves as the team to beat. They clinched their playoff berth and will solidify their hold on the No. 1 seed with either a victory over the Steelers or with assistance from the Buffalo Bills losing their final two games. The Chiefs also have the potential for home-field advantage up until the Super Bowl, which is no small feat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his team.
This game will be significant for Kansas City as they seek to find consistency heading toward the playoff. Unfortunately, they'll head to Pittsburgh without one of their key defensive players, Chris Jones. The defensive tackle suffered a calf injury during Kansas City's last contest against the Houston Texans, which raises concerns about how the Chiefs' defense will adapt against the high-flying Steelers’ offense.
For Pittsburgh, the game presents both opportunity and challenge. The Steelers, battling through turbulence with two consecutive losses, are determined to bounce back. Currently sitting at 10-5, the Steelers aim not only to break their losing streak but also to wrest back control of the AFC North, which they can clinch with wins in their two final games. With quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, the Pittsburgh offense has struggled due to the recent absence of their No. 1 wide receiver, George Pickens, who is confirmed to return for the Christmas game.
“We know he’s a playmaker, a guy who communicates,” linebacker Patrick Queen said about Elliott’s return, which strengthens their defense. The Steelers will also have back safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Donte Jackson, which should bolster their efforts against the Chiefs' potent offensive weapons. “It’s going to be nice to have DeShon back. Other guys have got to step up too,” defensive tackle Cameron Heyward highlighted, recognizing the importance of teamwork as they prepare.
Despite being the underdogs this Christmas, Pittsburgh’s home record stands stoutly at 5-1, and they have won four consecutive games at Acrisure Stadium. With the history of the Steelers being one of the most decorated franchises—six-time Super Bowl winners—the motivation to reclaim their former glory is palpable among their players. This game provides them with more than just playoff positioning; it’s about pride and proving they can compete once again with the best.
On the opposing side, the Chiefs are eager to demonstrate their playoff readiness, fueled by Mahomes’ leadership and the talent surrounding him. With their only setback being to the Bills earlier this season, the Chiefs have largely steamrolled through their opponents. “Cory has done a nice job… I expect more of the same from him,” head coach Mike Tomlin said, seeking to instill confidence in the players who must step up amid injuries.
The game will feature streaming live on Netflix, as well as CBS coverage for fans residing locally in Kansas City and Pittsburgh. Both cities are under the spell of NFL fever, with fans eager for the culmination of tension built throughout the season.
Live updates, scores, and highlights will be available for fans wanting to keep tabs on this high-profile matchup. The atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium should be nothing short of electrifying, as players on both sides are prepared to leave everything on the field.
With predictions from sports analysts skewed toward the Chiefs—most picking them to take the game—the stakes are high for both clubs as they strive for victory and prepare their rosters for the playoff battle. Indeed, this Christmas game promises not just to stand out on the NFL calendar, but to redefine the paths these two storied franchises are looking to carve toward the postseason.
The stakes have never been higher as kickoff approaches—will the Chiefs solidify their dominance, or can the Steelers deliver on the promise of redemption? The countdown to Christmas has begun, and the game is just the beginning of great moments to cherish for fans and players alike.
