Will Patrick Mahomes lead Kansas City to straight up and ATS wins in Pittsburgh on Christmas? The Chiefs vs. Steelers matchup on Netflix will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+3); o/u 44
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
1:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Chiefs vs. Steelers Public Betting: Bettors Leaning KC
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 54% of public bettors are currently backing the Chiefs when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Mahomes ankle better this week?
Patrick Mahomes said he thinks his ankle “should be in a better place” for Week 17 against the Steelers. Mahomes played on his sprained ankle in last week’s win over the Texans and wasted little time displaying his miraculous healing powers. He rushed for a 15-yard touchdown on the Chiefs’ opening drive and ended the day with 33 rushing yards on five carries. He was listed as a full participant on the Chiefs estimated practice report, which was released on Sunday. Mahomes’ ankle injury seems like non-issue ahead of Week 17’s game against the Steelers.
Pickens back for Steelers?
George Pickens (hamstring) was upgraded to a full participant in Monday’s practice. Pickens is on track to return in Week 17 against the Chiefs after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. Pickens attempted to suit up for last week’s game against the Ravens but was ruled out before the weekend. Now, with one practice left to go before Wednesday’s game against the Chiefs, Pickens has been upgraded to a full participant and should be good to go, barring any setbacks.
When asked about his potential return, Pickens said, “I feel good, but I don’t make the decision. It is the coaches and doctors. Whatever they tell me to do, I’m doing.” It’s safe to say that on Monday, those coaches and doctors decided Pickens was well enough to be a full participant in practice, which is a good sign for the Steelers and his fantasy managers. Pickens will profile as a fringe WR2/WR3 against a stout Chiefs defense if active.
Chiefs vs. Steelers Betting Trends
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Chiefs vs. Steelers Prediction:
Take Kansas City. Pickens is back for the Steelers and some pundits have suggested he’s the key to Pittsburgh’s success. I can understand the thought process, as Russell Wilson and the Steelers haven’t looked the same offensively with Pickens sidelined the last three weeks.
However, the last time I checked, Pickens doesn’t play defense. The Steelers couldn’t get off the field two weeks ago in Philadelphia. It had to be frustrating for Mike Tomlin watch as the Eagles salted the final 10 minutes off the clock as the Pittsburgh defense couldn’t make a key stop. Then last week, Wilson had two key turnovers that attributed to Baltimore’s 34-17 win over the Steelers, although Pittsburgh’s defense once again struggled.
The Chiefs have issues. Full stop. That said, Mahomes’ ankle looked no worse for wear last week in the win over Houston and all Kansas City does is win. If this spread were higher, I’d consider Pittsburgh as a home dog. But I’m not fading Mahomes and Co with the number at only a field goal.
Chiefs vs. Steelers NFL Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs -3