The Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Chiefs, riding a five-game winning streak, have secured the AFC West title and are vying for the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been instrumental, amassing 3,608 passing yards and 23 touchdowns this season. However, the Chiefs’ deep passing game has shown vulnerability, ranking 28th in QBR for throws over 20 yards, a decline attributed to the departure of key deep-threat receivers. Defensively, the Chiefs have been formidable, allowing only 18.5 points per game, ranking third in the league.
The Steelers, currently tied for the AFC North lead, are coming off a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, intensifying the importance of this matchup for their playoff aspirations. Quarterback Russell Wilson has managed the offense efficiently, recording 1,912 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. The return of wide receiver George Pickens, who missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury, is expected to bolster the Steelers’ passing attack. Defensively, Pittsburgh allows 18.9 points per game, closely matching the Chiefs’ defensive performance. The outcome of this game holds significant playoff implications for both teams, with the Chiefs aiming to secure the AFC’s top seed and the Steelers striving to clinch their division.
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