Chiefs vs. Steelers Picks, Predictions & Player Props: Christmas Day Doubleheader Opens with AFC Playoff Preview

• The Steelers have allowed 27.4 points per game over their last five games.

• Kansas City has held four straight opponents below 20 points.

• Russell Wilson has been held below 230 passing yards in five of his last seven games.

The NFL’s Christmas Day doubleheader opens with the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Kansas City Chiefs. This is the first meeting between these teams since the Wild Card Round of the 2021 season, a game the Chiefs won 42-21. This game can also be considered a potential playoff preview this season. The Chiefs are one win away from clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs while the Steelers have clinched a playoff spot and are tied with the Ravens for the AFC North division lead.

Chiefs vs. Steelers Odds

Even on the road, it’s not surprising to see the Chiefs favored in this game. Despite plenty of close calls this season, Kansas City is 14-1. Of course, with five of those wins decided by three points or less, oddsmakers are understandably bullish on the spread being too big. Keep in mind the Steelers are 5-1 at home this season despite losing back-to-back road games. This is how the odds for this game currently look at bet365 Sportsbook:

Below are the odds for the Chiefs vs. Steelers game from bet365 Sportsbook. Sign up with bet365 using our promo code WSN365 and get $1,000 Safety Net Bet OR $150 in Bonus Bets.

Chiefs vs. Steelers Predictions

There’s no denying that the Chiefs are perhaps the least impressive 14-1 team in NFL history. Yet, they keep winning, doing so behind a top-five defense. After a couple of hiccups, the Chiefs have held their last four opponents below 20 points. That’s made it easier for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense to score enough points to win. It’s also worth noting that Mahomes looked healthy in Saturday’s win over the Texans, as the ankle injury he suffered the previous week doesn’t appear to be an issue.

In fact, the Kansas City offense is starting to get healthy late in the season. While there are some concerns on the offensive line, Hollywood Brown is active again, joining a wide receiver corps that includes DeAndre Hopkins and emerging rookie Xavier Worthy. The Kansas City backfield is also as deep as it’s been at any point this season with both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco getting touches. Those two help to give the Chiefs more offensive balance, taking some pressure off Mahomes.

On the other side, the Pittsburgh defense that had been so dominant early in the season is starting to look shaky. The Steelers have given up over 400 yards of offense in back-to-back games. In fact, over their last five games, the Steelers have given up 27.4 points per game. Injuries are also starting to pile up on that side of the ball with multiple starters ruled out for the Christmas Day game against the Chiefs. That makes the job for the Pittsburgh defense that much harder against a Kansas City offense that’s always dangerous.

Needless to say, that will put more pressure on Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh offense. Wilson is coming off his worst game of the season, as he lost a costly fumble and threw a pick-six in Saturday’s loss to the Ravens. Over his last three games, he’s averaging just 167.7 passing yards per game. That’s not going to cut it against the Chiefs, who have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL this season and are one of four teams that allows four yards per carry or less to opposing teams.

Chiefs vs. Steelers My Pick

• My Pick: Chiefs to cover the 2.5-point spread (-110) at bet365 Sportsbook

At 10-5, there’s no denying that the Steelers are a good team. However, they have struggled against the NFL’s elite teams. In the last two weeks, Pittsburgh has lost by 14 points to both the Eagles and the Ravens, albeit on the road. Playing at home should help the Steelers to keep this game close. However, it’s hard to have too much faith in them against a quality opponent. It’s equally hard to bet against the Chiefs finding a way to win. Since they only have 2.5 points to cover, betting on Kansas City is a safe choice.

Use WSN365 for $1,000 Safety Net Bet at bet365

Chiefs vs. Steelers Best Player Props

Russell Wilson Under 229.5 Passing Yards (-110) at bet365 Sportsbook

As mentioned, Wilson’s passing numbers have declined in recent weeks. Outside of 414 passing yards against the Cincinnati defense a few weeks ago, he hasn’t been putting up big numbers. In fact, he’s been below 230 passing yards in five of his last seven games, being held under 200 yards in three of those games. He won’t have George Pickens this week, taking away Pittsburgh’s best deep threat. That makes it less likely that Wilson will throw for a high total.

Get $1,000 Safety Net Bet at bet365

DeAndre Hopkins Over 3.5 Receptions (-105) at bet365 Sportsbook

Hopkins has become increasingly popular with Patrick Mahomes. He’s a big receiver who’s helpful in the short and medium passing game, especially with Travis Kelce still getting a lot of attention. With every passing week, Mahomes is getting more comfortable with Hopkins, a midseason acquisition, so his role is likely to expand rather than shrink moving forward. While the margins have been small, Hopkins has at least four catches in five straight games and seven of his last eight games. That trend should continue against the Steelers since he’s not going to be Pittsburgh’s primary concern.

Claim $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365

Jaylen Warren Over 35.5 Rushing Yards (-110) at bet365 Sportsbook

Warren isn’t Pittsburgh’s primary rusher, but he’s likely to share the carries with Najee Harris this week. When the Steelers play on a short week, Warren tends to get double-digit carries. In all eight games this season in which Warren has nine carries or more, he’s rushed for 40 yards or more. With a short week, the Steelers will rest Harris a little more and give Warren more carries. In fact, Warren had more carries than Harris this week, so we expect to see Warren continue to be used regularly and have another productive game.

Use WSN365 for $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365

Chiefs vs. Steelers How to Watch

• When: 1:00 PM, EST on Wednesday, December 25

• Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• How to Watch: Netflix

Chiefs vs. Steelers Best Promos and Sportsbooks

For either of the Christmas Day games, bet365 Sportsbook has everything you’ll need. Bettors can always find a diverse selection of betting markets, including player props, not to mention competitive odds. Also, bet365 is perfect for new users because they get a choice between $150 in bonus bets or a safety net of up to $1,000 on their first wager. That makes bet365 a great spot for both new and experienced bettors.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Chiefs vs. Steelers Injuries

Chiefs Injuries

• WR Rashee Rice (Injured Reserve)

• WR Skyy Moore (Injured Reserve)

• WR Mecole Hardman (Injured Reserve)

• OT D.J. Humphries (Out)

• OT Jawann Taylor (Questionable)

• DT Chris Jones (Questionable)

• LB Jack Cochrane (Doubtful)

• CB Chamarri Conner

Steelers Injuries

• QB Justin Fields (Out) 

• WR George Pickens (Out) 

• DE Larry Ogunjobi (Out)

• CB Donte Jackson (Out)

• CB Joey Porter Jr. (Questionable)

• S DeShon Elliott (Out)