Pittsburgh Steelers Kansas City Chiefs Score: What Really Happened on the Field

When the schedule makers circled Christmas Day on the calendar for the 2024-2025 season, they knew exactly what they were doing. They wanted a ratings monster. They got it. But for anyone looking for the latest Pittsburgh Steelers Kansas City Chiefs score, the reality of that holiday matchup—and the ones that followed in this 2025-2026 cycle—tells a story of two franchises moving in very different directions.

Kansas City walked out of Pittsburgh with a 29-10 victory on December 25, 2024. That wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. It was the game that officially locked up the #1 seed for Patrick Mahomes and company, securing their home-field advantage through the playoffs. Meanwhile, it left the Steelers scratching their heads, wondering how a 10-3 start to their season had suddenly spiraled into a late-December identity crisis.

Fast forward to right now in early 2026. We’ve just seen the Steelers get bounced from the Wild Card round by the Houston Texans in a lopsided 30-6 affair. If you were hoping for a playoff rematch between the Black and Gold and the Chiefs this January, you’re out of luck. The Steelers' offense, led by veteran Aaron Rodgers in what might be his final curtain call, simply couldn't find the end zone when it mattered most.

Breaking Down the 29-10 Christmas Clash

Honestly, the score makes it look a little closer than it actually felt if you were sitting in the stands at Acrisure Stadium.

The Chiefs came out firing. Within the first quarter, they were already up 13-0. Xavier Worthy caught a touchdown pass early on after Andy Reid decided to go for it on a 4th-and-short. That’s just classic Reid—aggressive, confident, and slightly annoying if you're a Steelers fan.

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Pittsburgh did show a spark. Russell Wilson, who was under center for that game, scrambled for a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter. For a second, the Yinzers had hope. The score was 13-7, and the defense was actually making Mahomes work for his yards. But as it usually goes with Kansas City, the "Blink and You'll Miss It" offense took over.

The Turning Point

By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the wheels had completely come off for Pittsburgh.

• Kareem Hunt punched in a touchdown on the first play of the final frame.
• Travis Kelce hauled in a pass to become the Chiefs' all-time leader in touchdown receptions (77).
• The Steelers offense went cold, managing only three points in the entire second half.

Mahomes finished that day with 320 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson? 205 yards and a crushing interception in the end zone by Justin Reid. It was a snapshot of the gap between a "good" team and a "dynasty" team.

Why the Steelers-Chiefs Rivalry Has Shifted

If you look back at the history, Pittsburgh used to own this matchup. They lead the all-time series 27-16. But that's mostly thanks to the 70s and 90s. Lately? It’s been all Red and Gold.

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The Chiefs have now won five straight meetings against the Steelers.

The most recent Pittsburgh Steelers Kansas City Chiefs score of 29-10 is just the latest chapter in a trend where Pittsburgh’s defense plays lights-out for two quarters, but the offense can't keep pace with the high-octane track meet that Kansas City brings to the turf.

In the 2025 season that just concluded, these two didn't meet in the regular season. The NFL rotating schedule had Pittsburgh facing the AFC South and NFC South instead. While the Steelers clawed their way to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, they did it with "Rodgers-ball"—gritty, slow, and defensive-heavy. That style works against the Ravens (who they beat 26-24 in Week 18), but it's a tough sell against a Chiefs team that can put up 14 points in 90 seconds.

What’s Next for Both Teams in 2026?

Now that the 2026 offseason is officially here for the Steelers, the focus isn't on the scoreboard—it's on the roster. Mike Tomlin is staring at a seven-game postseason losing streak. That’s a heavy stat for a coach of his caliber.

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The Chiefs, meanwhile, are once again the mountain everyone else has to climb.

For the 2026 season, the schedule is already set in stone:

1. Pittsburgh will host the Chiefs' AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos, at home.
2. Kansas City will be navigating a gauntlet against the AFC East and NFC West.
3. Because of divisional finishes, we won't see a regular-season rematch between these two in 2026 unless they meet in a specific cross-divisional slot or the playoffs.

Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts

If you're tracking these two teams for betting or just pure fandom, keep an eye on the "Points Under" when they play in Pittsburgh. Even when the Chiefs win, the Pittsburgh weather and the Steelers' defensive scheme tend to keep the total score lower than the Vegas projections might suggest.

Next Steps:

• Check the 2026 NFL Draft order: The Steelers need a long-term answer at QB if Aaron Rodgers hangs them up. They’ll likely be looking at the mid-first round.
• Watch the Salary Cap: The Chiefs have some massive decisions coming up with their receiving corps, which could finally give the rest of the AFC a chance to breathe.
• Monitor the Tomlin Situation: With his playoff drought extending, the local media pressure in Pittsburgh is at an all-time high.

The era of the "Steel Curtain" being enough to stop Mahomes is officially over. Until Pittsburgh finds a way to score more than 20 points consistently, the Pittsburgh Steelers Kansas City Chiefs score will likely continue to favor the kingdom.