IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs to kickoff at 1:00pm EST in Week 17 on Christmas Day, it’s time to take a look at who the SCN staff likes in this game. The current line for the game is PIT (+3) with a Total of 45.

But these picks are vs. the spread, or based on an over/under. These are straight up picks. So, let’s get to the prognostications…

Jeff Hartman

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their backs against the wall. If they want to control their own destiny, they need to take care of their opponents the next two weeks at home. But are they actually going to be able to beat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for the first time since he was named the starter? It might seem like a pipe dream, but the Steelers are getting some very valuable players back in the lineup, while the Chiefs are going to be without some key players. Throw in the short week and the Steelers being at home…and I believe. Trailing 23-21, Russell Wilson gets the offense into Chris Boswell’s field goal range and the Wizard of Boz takes care of the rest. Walk it off.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Chiefs 23

Dave Schofield 

When teams play on a short week, anything can happen. The fact the Steelers are at home is a big advantage. But if there’s a team that can overcome lack of preparation time, it’s probably the Kansas City Chiefs. The Steelers margin for error in this game is razor thin, and with no practice time since the last game it’s going to be hard to pull off. Therefore, I’ll take the Chiefs in a close game so if the Steelers pull this one off it’ll be like an extra Christmas present.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Steelers 20

Jeremy Betz

Well, I could not have been more off about the Steelers’ Saturday meltdown in Baltimore. Pittsburgh absolutely must rebound in a very short number of days to wright this ship before things get really ugly. I think they can do it. Pittsburgh matches up fairly well with Kansas City on paper this season, with both teams still preferring to win ugly with stifling defense and big play offense. With George Pickens looking to rejoin the offense for this matchup, I expect Russ to lean on him early and often to open up the rest of the offense and hopefully spark some big plays down the field. On defense, the Steelers must keep Mahomes in the pocket and force KC to operate within structure. I’m hopeful, and this prediction reflects that. Steelers win a close one on Christmas Day.

Prediction: Steelers 26, Chiefs 23

Anthony Defeo

The Steelers are getting a bit healthier as they prepare to face the mighty Chiefs on Christmas Day. What’s at stake? For Kansas City, it’s the No. 1 seed and only bye in the AFC. For the Steelers, it’s proving they belong on the same field as the Chiefs. Also, Pittsburgh can put a huge down payment on the AFC North title and the chance to play someone besides Kansas City in round one of the playoffs. My mind is telling me this isn’t going to be a good day, but my heart is telling me George Pickens will do something special at the end.

Prediction: Steelers 23, Chiefs 20

Big Bro Scho

I am one of those guys who tend to follow the trends. The Steelers have been trending the wrong direction of late, and I need them to show me they are trending the right direction before I am just willing to “predict” they will. This game will be close as many Steelers games (and Chiefs games) have been this year. The Steelers hang around, but the KC magic of doing just enough to win continues.

Prediction: Chiefs 23, Steelers 20

K.T. Smith

Circle the wagons, boys. This is one of those “us against the world” games Mike Tomlin revels in. The Steelers get some players back, they’re home for Christmas and they’re playing the two-time defending champs. It’s going to be a nail-biter, but one that makes for a delicious Christmas dinner.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Chiefs 17

Corey Eckenroth

Oh how quickly a season can turn! Just a week ago the Steelers were in prime position to take the AFCN Crown walking away. Then they decided to shoot themselves in the foot because, well, you know, the Steelers can’t make it TOO easy on themselves, can they?

So now the 2X defending SB Champ Kansas City Chiefs are in town, and I just saw a crazy graphic that the Chiefs have won 20 out of the last 21 games they’ve played over the last couple years.

I seem to remember a long time ago, when a certain ‘Big’ rookie played, another team who ALSO sported a similar record before coming to town and getting their @$$ handed to them (‘04 Patriots).

This is the weakest the Chiefs have looked during their 3 year run, and their defense might be without two huge key contributors (Jones/Humphries). Points have been at a premium this year for KC, but time and time again, KC’s best player this year comes thru in the clutch: League Officiating.

Not this time. The Steelers are the ones with the discipline for a change, and at the end, BOZ FOR THE GAME WINNER (I’m going to WILL one of these into existence!).

Prediction: Steelers 27, Chiefs 26

Jason Murphy

Call me crazy, but if the Steelers can fix their issues with turnovers, I have a good feeling about this game. It’s difficult to win a normal short week road game, but playing on a Wednesday and Christmas is just stupid hard. The Chiefs have been winning by accident this year more often than not, and having to travel to Pittsburgh makes all the difference.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Chiefs 23

Sadie Hubler

This game seems significantly less daunting compared to when the schedule was released. The Chiefs are not in their typical form this season, struggling on offense and squeaking out wins in close games. With that being said, they still only have one loss on the season. Winning is embedded into their culture at this point not unlike in Pittsburgh, but the difference is that many on the Chiefs roster have won deep into the playoffs and brought championships home recently. Because they have been there, they have a great understanding of what it takes to be successful and they have a strong belief that they will win. In my opinion, this goes further than any X’s and O’s, and I think this has played a major role in the Chiefs finding success this season despite their struggles.

Pittsburgh is coming off of two straight losses and, although they were losses to very good teams, this is concerning in January with the playoffs right around the corner. The Steelers make it a good game, but I think the Chiefs prevail yet again in this one and find a way to win it late.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Steelers 20

What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming Week 17 game between the Steelers and Chiefs.