The NFL is bringing a holiday treat for football fans as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on Christmas Day. It’s a clash of AFC heavyweights, with both playoff implications and pride on the line.
Let’s break down what to expect from this festive showdown.
When and where
The game will take place on Christmas Day at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Fans can expect a charged atmosphere as the Steelers faithful celebrate the holiday with their team.
Chiefs’ momentum
Kansas City comes into this matchup riding high. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the Chiefs boast one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Their ability to adapt and find big plays under pressure makes them formidable. However, their defence has been inconsistent, leaving opportunities for opponents to capitalize.
Steelers’ home advantage
The Steelers have historically been tough to beat at home, and Christmas Day games tend to bring extra energy. They head into this game 5-1 at home, but that said, the Chiefs have been formidable on the road with a 6-1 record.
Under Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has been competitive in every season, and their defence, led by T.J. Watt, is among the league’s best. The question is whether their offence, led by Kenny Pickett, can match the firepower of Mahomes and the Chiefs.
After a dominant start to the season, the Steelers have been beaten in their last two games (by the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens), and they appear to have lost some momentum.
Key matchup: Chiefs offence vs. Steelers defence
This game could hinge on how well the Steelers’ defence contains Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-octane offense. T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick will need to deliver big performances to keep Kansas City’s scoring in check.
On the flip side, the Steelers’ secondary will need to find ways to neutralize Mahomes’ connection with tight end Travis Kelce.
The Steelers’ offensive challenges
While Pittsburgh’s defence has shone, their offence has struggled with consistency.
Kenny Pickett will need to elevate his game, and the running back duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren must find ways to exploit a Kansas City defence that has shown vulnerability against the run.
Playoff implications
Both teams are in the thick of the playoff race.
The Chiefs are vying for a top seed in the AFC, while for the Steelers things are wide open. They have qualified for the playoffs so now it is all about seeding.
A couple of wins in their last two games could see the Steelers seeded high, but two more losses and they could end with the bottom seed for the AFC - it all adds to the stakes on Christmas Day.
Weather watch
Pittsburgh’s winter weather could play a role. With temperatures expected to hover near freezing, the conditions might favour the more physical Steelers.
However, Mahomes has proven he can perform in any weather, making this an intriguing element to watch.
Predictions
This game promises to be a hard-fought battle. The Chiefs have the advantage in terms of offensive firepower, but the Steelers’ defence and home-field energy could even the playing field. A close game is expected, with the Chiefs slightly favoured to edge out a victory.
Christmas Day NFL games are always special, and this clash between the Chiefs and Steelers should be no different. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this game promises to deliver holiday excitement on the gridiron.
Settle in with your eggnog and holiday snacks—Chiefs at Steelers is shaping up to be a festive football showdown.
How to watch Chiefs at Steelers on DAZN
Every NFL game during the 2024 regular season and playoffs — including the Super Bowl — is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.
DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with access to every regular-season NFL game and every playoff matchup. That's 335 games per season, and each game is available live* and on demand.
NFL GPI will be available through the DAZN app either as a standalone subscription or an add-on to an existing DAZN package to customers worldwide**, excluding the United States and China.
* In the United Kingdom, up to two Sunday games per week will air on DAZN on a 24-hour tape delay.
** Viewers in Canada can access all NFL content through their regular DAZN subscription.