The NFL’s Christmas slate promises to deliver more than just holiday cheer, as Week 17’s pivotal matchups carry major playoff implications. The headliners: an AFC battle between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers, and a clash of styles as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans.
Chiefs Aim to Lock Up #1 Seed vs Steelers
Patrick Mahomes and the 14-1 Chiefs have their sights set on securing the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. But to do so, they’ll need to overcome a surging Steelers squad that has won 10 games and remains in the hunt for the AFC North crown.
The key matchup will be Kansas City’s high-octane offense against Pittsburgh’s stingy defense. The Chiefs lead the NFL in scoring at 32.1 points per game, fueled by Mahomes’ MVP-caliber campaign. But the Steelers counter with a pass rush led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt, who already has a whopping 18 sacks on the season.
Mahomes vs. Watt is the matchup everyone wants to see. Can the Chiefs’ banged-up O-line keep the Steelers’ pressure at bay? That will likely determine the outcome.
– Adam Teicher, ESPN
The Steelers’ path to victory hinges on their ability to fluster Mahomes and force turnovers. On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh will lean on rookie standout Kenny Pickett to make enough plays against a vulnerable Kansas City defense.
- Walder’s pick: Chiefs 24, Steelers 23
- Moody’s pick: Chiefs 23, Steelers 16
Ravens Look to Ground High-Flying Texans
Fresh off a dominant win over the rival Steelers, the Ravens now set their sights on the upstart Texans in a strength vs. strength matchup. Baltimore brings its potent ground game led by new addition Derrick Henry, while Houston counters with a diverse aerial attack powered by emerging star QB C.J. Stroud.
The Ravens have ridden Henry and their punishing run game to 10 wins, controlling the clock and wearing down opposing defenses. They’ll look to employ a similar strategy against a Texans defense that has been stout overall but occasionally vulnerable against power running teams.
For Houston, the key will be unleashing Stroud and his plethora of weapons to strike quickly and build an early lead. The Texans have thrived with an up-tempo spread attack, utilizing the speed of receivers like Nico Collins to generate explosive plays. But they face a stern test against a Ravens secondary that has tightened up considerably in the season’s second half.
The Ravens want to establish Henry early and often. If the Texans can’t find a way to at least slow him down, it could be a long day for that Houston defense.
– Jamison Hensley, ESPN
- Walder’s pick: Ravens 27, Texans 13
- Moody’s pick: Ravens 27, Texans 24
Seahawks, Bears Clash in NFC Wild Card Battle
The nightcap features a pair of NFC hopefuls in the Seahawks and Bears. At 8-7, Seattle remains alive in the NFC West race, while Chicago looks to play spoiler and build momentum for 2025.
Seattle’s fortunes may hinge on the health of budding star RB Kenneth Walker III, who is battling an ankle injury. If Walker can go, he’ll be the focal point of a run-heavy Seahawks attack. Chicago has been stingy against the run at times but wore down last week in a loss to Detroit.
The Bears will again turn to rookie QB Caleb Williams, who has flashed tantalizing potential but struggled with turnovers of late. To pull the upset, he’ll need a clean game against a ball-hawking Seahawks defense.
- Walder’s pick: Seahawks 24, Bears 20
- Moody’s pick: Seahawks 26, Bears 19
With the NFL playoff picture still taking shape, Week 17 promises to bring clarity — or perhaps more chaos. Will the Chiefs lock up the top seed, or can the Steelers play spoiler? Can the Ravens ground the high-flying Texans? Will Seattle stay alive in the NFC race?
Christmas will deliver the answers in what should be a fascinating slate of games. Buckle up, NFL fans: the homestretch is upon us, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
