Staff picks from BTSC
The Steelers will look to end their two-game losing streak when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas day. Will they get their 11th win? Here’s the predictions from our staff.
I have zero doubts the Steelers are a good football team. When healthy they have proven they can beat some of the best teams in the league, including the Ravens, Commanders, Chargers and Broncos. The key word: healthy. The past two games, losses to the Eagles and Ravens, the black and gold have missed their best player on offense in WR George Pickens, and two of their top defenders in DeShon Elliott and DL Larry Ogunjobi. This is an opportunity against the two-time defending champions to prove once more what most of us felt a few weeks ago – this team can win in the playoffs. And defeating Patrick Mahomes will have fans believing in that again. Steelers 23 Chiefs 21. – Mike Nicastro
This game screams unpredictability. Injuries and short schedules will have this game looking like a Thursday night matchup, which can get sloppy. Russell Wilson will be as efficient as he was before the pick-six in Baltimore. Expect good drives that end in field goals. The defense will create more pressure than in recent weeks, but it won’t necessarily lead to sacks and splash against Patrick Mahomes. This will be a nail biter, but the Steelers will win it in the fourth. Steelers 23-Chiefs 20. – Kyle Chrise
Both of these teams are dealing with injuries to key players, thanks in part to the NFL’s insane December schedule. That’s no excuse for Pittsburgh, as they are not the only team impacted by the league’s disregard for player safety in favor of dominating the calendar during the week of Christmas. If Pittsburgh hopes to hold onto the division, they’ll need to find a way to win, and they’ll have to do it against a team that likes to drag games into the mud just as much as they do. If Pickens plays, and he currently has no injury designation, I think they win it. If not, I just don’t see it based on the previous two games. I’ll go Steelers 23-17. – Ryan Parish
The Steelers playing at home on the short week evens the playing field a bit. Getting George Pickens and DeShon Elliott back is huge as well. At the end of the day, this game has the makings of an ugly one that could go either way. Ultimately, I trust Patrick Mahomes more than the two-game losing streak Steelers in crunch time. Kansas City wins 24-20. – Ryland Bickley
The Steelers have played some ugly football as of late. However, there’s reason to believe that this week will be a little less ugly for the black and gold — if only for the sake of handing their fans the gift of hope. What has become clear in the past several weeks is just how critical Pickens and Elliott are to the offense and defense respectively. With them back, things get interesting, especially considering the Chiefs have had plenty of black magic up their sleeves this season. However, the defense just doesn’t seem to have enough firepower to withstand the Chiefs and Andy Reid’s brilliants as an in-game maestro. Chiefs 24, Steelers 21. – Kate Magdziuk
The Steelers are getting healthy with George Pickens and DeShon Elliott back in the lineup. The offense made two critical mistakes against the Ravens, but moved the ball well. The Chiefs aren’t going to go 16-1 – the Steelers win and end the losing streak. Steelers 23, Chiefs 20 – Jarrett Bailey