The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal test on Christmas Day when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs, following two consecutive losses that have diminished their playoff momentum. After a humiliating 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, the Steelers were again exposed the following week in a 34-17 defeat.
Pittsburgh’s offense sputtered in both outings, and their defense—usually a hallmark of Mike Tomlin’s teams—was shredded by opposing offenses. The team allowed 30.5 points per game in those two losses while averaging only 15 points. With injuries to key players like wide receiver George Pickens, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and safety Deshon Elliott, the Steelers’ struggles were magnified.
The timing of these setbacks could not be worse. While Pittsburgh has already secured a playoff berth, the recent losses have left a sour taste in the mouths of fans and players alike. Instead of heading into the postseason with confidence and momentum, the Steelers are tasked with building up both in the final weeks of the season.
A victory on Christmas Day against the AFC-leading Kansas City Chiefs would be the perfect tonic to restore their morale and prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Steelers must find momentum before the playoffs
Though Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is having an uncharacteristic off-year by his high standards, Kansas City remains one of the toughest teams in the league. Despite Mahomes’ struggles, the Chiefs have still managed to stay atop the AFC standings, proving their resilience and depth.
This matchup presents a unique opportunity for the Steelers to gauge where they stand against one of the league’s elite teams. A win would restore confidence and show that the Steelers can compete with the best in the conference, something they’ll need to do to make a deep playoff run.
To claim victory, the Steelers will need their injured players to heal and step up. Pickens, Porter, and Elliott are all crucial pieces for a team that has struggled to maintain its competitive edge in recent weeks. Tomlin must also be cautious with his star players, limiting their snaps if necessary to avoid further injuries.
At this point, ensuring the health of key contributors for the postseason is just as important as securing a victory against the Chiefs.
A clean, injury-free win over Kansas City would serve as the perfect Christmas gift for Pittsburgh, not just in terms of morale, but also in proving they have what it takes to contend for a Super Bowl. With a playoff berth already clinched, the Steelers’ test begins now: can they shake off the losses and hit their stride when it matters most?
A win against the Chiefs would be the first step toward answering that question.