Bold predictions for the Steelers vs Chiefs, Week 17

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Tis the season for an incredible Week 17 matchup on Christmas Day between the 10-5 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs. With numerous intriguing positional battles set to unfold, this game could be the most exciting of the week. However, fans of the Black and Gold are hoping for a Christmas miracle, as the Steelers face a must-win situation over the next two weeks. Now far healthier than in their past two contests, the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to deliver against the Chiefs. With this in mind, here are several bold predictions for the Steelers-Chiefs Week 17 showdown on Christmas Day.

T.J. Watt achieves 2+ sacks and one forced fumble:

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to knock down a pass by Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Watt has been dominant against both the run and the pass this season, cementing his status as a “forced fumbles machine.” Expect Watt to tear through the struggling Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor, who has allowed six sacks since Week 10.

George Pickens returns from injury with 125+ receiving yards:

TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes after a catch for a touchdown during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has sorely missed their WR1, and Pickens is primed to make an immediate impact against the Kansas City Chiefs. Expect the QB Russell Wilson-to-Pickens connection to account for well over 125 yards in the contest.

Injuries to the Steelers’ secondary open the door for Chiefs WRs to combine for over 250 receiving yards:

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Despite the Steelers getting several defensive players back from injury in Week 17, they will be without their lockdown CB1 against the Chiefs. Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and DeAndre Hopkins will look to help QB Patrick Mahomes achieve one of his best passing attacks in 2024. However, a strong red zone defense will prevent these big gains from the Chiefs’ receivers from becoming even bigger scoring opportunities.

Steelers run defense gets back on track versus RBs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt:

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers run defense turned in one of the team’s worst performances of all time against RB Derrick Henry and the Ravens in Week 16. However, the return of SS DeShon Elliott should significantly bolster their ability to stop the run. Expect Elliott and the rest of the defense to bounce back against the Chiefs.

Steelers defeat the Chiefs by two scores:

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 21: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Perhaps the boldest prediction of them all, the Pittsburgh Steelers will defeat the Chiefs on Christmas Day by two scores or more. Tom Brady once stated that Mahomes is the best QB when down by just one score, so the Steelers defense will aim to make a statement after two subpar performances in Weeks 15 and 16. With little to lose for the Chiefs and everything to gain for the Steelers in Week 17, expect a strong showing from Pittsburgh.