Honestly, if you missed the Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs game on Christmas 2024, you missed a masterclass in controlled chaos. It wasn't just another December game. For Kansas City, it was the "gift" that secured them the AFC’s No. 1 seed. For Pittsburgh, it was a harsh reality check.
The scoreboard read 29-10 when the clock hit zero at Acrisure Stadium. But those numbers don't tell the whole story. They don't capture the sight of Andy Reid walking into the post-game locker room in a full Santa suit. They don't show the frustration on Mike Tomlin’s face as his defense, usually a brick wall, got picked apart by Patrick Mahomes.
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Historically, Pittsburgh owned this. If you look at the all-time record, the Steelers lead 27-15. But that’s a legacy stat. Lately? It’s been all Red and Gold. The Chiefs have won the last five meetings.
Patrick Mahomes is now 4-0 against the Steelers. Think about that. He has thrown 17 touchdowns and only one interception in those four games. It’s like he has a cheat code for the "Steel Curtain."
During that 2024 Christmas clash, the Chiefs were surgical. Mahomes went 29-of-38 for 320 yards and three touchdowns. He didn't just win; he was toyed with them. Pittsburgh’s defense was missing Chris Jones’ counterpart on the other side, but the real issue was the sheer variety of targets. Mahomes completed passes to eight different teammates.
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The Moment Travis Kelce Made History
We have to talk about Travis Kelce.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers trailing 16-10 and actually looking like they might make it a game, Mahomes rolled right and found Kelce wide open in the back of the end zone. That 12-yard touchdown was massive. Not just for the score, but because it was Kelce’s 77th career touchdown reception.
He officially passed the legendary Tony Gonzalez for the most touchdown catches in Chiefs franchise history. Kelce even did the Gonzalez "dunk" over the crossbar. He got a 15-yard penalty for it, but nobody cared. It was a milestone moment in a stadium that usually hates seeing visiting teams celebrate.
What Went Wrong for Pittsburgh?
Mike Tomlin was blunt after the game: “That sucked.”
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The Steelers actually outrushed the Chiefs 202 to 61. Najee Harris was a beast, putting up 74 yards and becoming the first player in franchise history to hit 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons. Usually, when you outrun a team by 140 yards, you win. Not against Kansas City.
The issues were glaring:
- Turnovers: A late fumble by Pat Freiermuth set up the knockout Kelce touchdown.
- Red Zone Woes: Russell Wilson was 23-of-37 for 205 yards, but he couldn't finish drives. A costly interception by Justin Reid in the end zone killed a vital scoring chance.
- Third Down: Pittsburgh went 0-3 in an 11-day stretch against Philly, Baltimore, and KC. They looked gassed.
The Strategic Shift
The Chiefs used a "new" toy in this game too. Hollywood Brown was back and looked electric, stretching the field and giving Mahomes even more room to work underneath.
It’s interesting. Kansas City spent most of 2024 winning ugly. They were squeaking by teams. But against Pittsburgh, they looked like the juggernaut that won those back-to-back Super Bowls. They were clinical.
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Key Stats from the Dec 25 Matchup
| Stat | Kansas City Chiefs | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 29 | 10 |
| Passing Yards | 320 | 205 |
| Rushing Yards | 61 | 202 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
Where Both Teams Go From Here
If you’re a Steelers fan, the concern isn't just the loss—it's the trend. Losing three straight by 14+ points is rare for a Tomlin-led team. They finished the season needing help from Baltimore just to clinch the North.
For the Chiefs, this game was the ultimate flex. They proved they could handle the "3 games in 11 days" gauntlet without breaking a sweat. Locking up that first-round bye in 2024 was exactly what Mahomes needed to rest his ankle before the playoff push.
The Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup has shifted from a physical defensive grind to a showcase of high-flying offensive efficiency. To compete in the future, Pittsburgh has to find a way to pressure Mahomes without leaving their secondary on an island.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, keep a close eye on the injury reports for T.J. Watt and the development of the Steelers' offensive line. If Pittsburgh can't turn those 200-yard rushing performances into touchdowns, the result against Kansas City will likely stay the same. Watch for the 2026 schedule release to see if these two will meet in the postseason, where the Chiefs currently hold a 2-1 edge.