The NFL is taking over Christmas Day.
On Wednesday, the NFL has not one but two matchups between high-powered teams with major playoff implications.
First, the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a battle of two of the AFC's best. Then, the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans with both teams fighting for seeding in the AFC playoff picture.
The staff at Newsweek Sports has predictions for both games. For Ravens vs. Texans, click here. For Chiefs vs. Steelers, keep reading.
Read more: Ravens vs Texans Expert Predictions for NFL Christmas Day Week 17
The Chiefs (14-1) just keep finding ways to win games. Their lone loss of the season came in Week 11 to the Buffalo Bills, and since, they've won five straight. They still haven't locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC over Buffalo, though, but a win on Wednesday would do just that.
As for the Steelers (10-5), Pittsburgh is coming off its worst loss of the season to the division-rival Ravens. If the Steelers want to win the AFC North and secure a home playoff game, they need to win out. If not, they risk the Ravens securing the division. Here's how the staff expects this game to play out.
Noah Camras: The Chiefs and Steelers have been two of the best teams in the league this year, and both are playing for big stakes. A Kansas City win would lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while a Pittsburgh win would keep their division hopes alive. This game will be a battle between two teams that like to play close games. In the end, though, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will lock up the first-round bye with another tight victory.
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Steelers 23
James Brizuela: The Steelers are at home and hoping to get a big win on Christmas that would place them ahead in the race for the AFC North division. However, the team has proven that upper-echelon competition is their Achilles heel. The Chiefs, on the other hand, keep finding ways to win. This could be another close one, but expect Kansas City to play hard to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Prediction: Chiefs 24, Steelers 21
Ricardo Sandoval: The Chiefs are coming off another nail-biter against the Texans, something they are used to this season. That will remain the case against a tough, defensive-minded Steelers team that is coming off a rough loss to their division rivals in the Ravens. The Steelers have had a tough stretch, and it doesn't get any easier against the Chiefs. The Chiefs are just too much to handle, although the Steelers will put up a fight in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Chiefs 23, Steelers 17.
How to Watch Chiefs vs Steelers on Christmas Day NFL Week 17
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25) kicks off at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.
However, those in Kansas City and Pittsburgh will be able to watch the game on the CBS-TV network affiliates.
English (US) ·