Chiefs Dominate Steelers, Ravens Shine in Christmas Day Doubleheader
On Christmas Day 2024, NFL fans were treated to a thrilling doubleheader, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens both securing impressive victories. The Chiefs crushed the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10, while the Ravens delivered a 31-2 blowout against the Houston Texans, demonstrating their playoff readiness as the season winds down.
The Chiefs' victory over the Steelers was nothing short of dominant. With a 15-1 record, Kansas City clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed, ensuring home-field advantage for the playoffs. Patrick Mahomes was on fire, completing 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, delivering some of his vintage performances, including a 49-yard bomb to Justin Watson. The Chiefs’ offense marched down the field methodically, scoring on their opening drive and never looking back. Though the running game struggled, Mahomes and his receiving corps—featuring rookie Xavier Worthy, Watson, and tight end Travis Kelce—carried the team with ease. Kelce ended the day with eight receptions for 84 yards, catching his 77th career touchdown to become the franchise’s all-time leader.
Defensively, the Chiefs were equally impressive. Even without star defensive tackle Chris Jones, Kansas City’s pass rush was relentless, sacking Russell Wilson five times. Mike Danna led the charge with two sacks, and six players recorded multiple pressures. This dominant defensive performance sent a message to the rest of the league: the Chiefs are more than just an offensive juggernaut. They are a well-rounded team capable of making a deep playoff run.
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As for the Steelers, things are looking increasingly bleak. Despite a playoff berth already secured, Pittsburgh has now dropped three straight games. Coach Mike Tomlin’s squad struggled to generate offense, managing just 10 points on the day. Quarterback Russell Wilson was under constant pressure, while the defense couldn’t contain Mahomes and the Chiefs' high-powered offense. The Steelers need to find a way to turn things around quickly if they hope to make a meaningful postseason push.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens put on a clinic against the Texans. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry dominated the game, each putting up huge numbers. Henry, the four-time Pro Bowler, rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson added 87 yards on the ground, breaking Michael Vick's all-time career rushing yards record for a quarterback. Jackson also threw for two touchdowns, including a 67-yard bomb to tight end Mark Andrews, showing just how dangerous the Ravens’ offense can be. This victory, combined with Pittsburgh’s loss, moved Baltimore into position to claim the AFC North title.
The Ravens' defense was equally stifling, limiting Houston to just 2 points and 232 total yards. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans couldn’t find any rhythm, especially in the absence of standout wide receiver Tank Dell. Houston’s offense was completely shut down, and Stroud was pressured relentlessly, finishing with a poor passer rating. While the Texans have shown promise earlier in the season, their recent performances suggest they’ll need significant improvements to make any noise in the playoffs.
With the Ravens’ dominant performance, they now control their destiny in the AFC North. A win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 18 will secure their second consecutive division title and at least one home playoff game. Baltimore has been on a roll lately, with both their offense and defense firing on all cylinders. If they can maintain this level of play, they will be a force to be reckoned with come postseason time.
So, the Christmas Day doubleheader was a showcase of two teams—Kansas City and Baltimore—who are peaking at the right time. Both the Chiefs and Ravens are heading into the playoffs with momentum, while the Steelers and Texans will need to regroup if they want to make a deep playoff run. The AFC playoff picture is shaping up to be an exciting one, with these teams all in the mix for a potential Super Bowl run.
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