Steelers @ Chiefs game preview:

The Kansas City Chiefs are giving us a Christmas present we didn't ask for: a mid-week showdown on a Wednesday, of all things, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But hey, with a potential top seed in the AFC on the line, we’re not complaining. So, what should we expect in this Christmas Day face-off? Let's break down the key matchups, highlight the X-factors, and predict how the game will unfold.

Key Matchup #1: Chris Jones vs. Steelers Offensive Line

The Chiefs' defensive game plan starts with Chris Jones. Without him—especially with his Grade 1 calf strain—the Steelers’ offensive line might find a bit more room to breathe. That’s not exactly great news for Kansas City, especially with Pittsburgh’s ability to run the ball and control tempo. But if Jones is healthy enough to suit up, he’s more than capable of wrecking the pocket and causing chaos for a Steelers offense that can’t afford to let him take over. His presence or absence could be the difference between a good defense and a great one.

Key Matchup #2: Russell Wilson vs. Chiefs Pass Rush

Russell Wilson isn’t exactly the MVP-caliber quarterback he once was, but he’s still got that deep ball in his arsenal. The Chiefs’ pass rush, which has been waking up lately, will need to pressure Wilson and force him into mistakes. He’s no longer the type of guy who makes defenses quake, but if he has time, he’ll still throw a moonshot to George Pickens or Calvin Austin and flip the game on its head. The Chiefs will want to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket and not let him extend plays. The last thing Kansas City needs is for Wilson to turn into an escape artist.

Key Matchup #3: Chiefs Offense vs. Steelers Defense

If there's one thing the Steelers know, it’s defense. T.J. Watt and Minka Fitzpatrick are as intimidating as a Christmas tree at midnight, and they’ll be looking to ruin Patrick Mahomes' holiday plans. With the Chiefs’ O-line still figuring things out (especially with Jawaan Taylor banged up), Mahomes might need to pull a few rabbits out of his hat. Luckily, that’s what he does best. This is going to be a battle of wills: can the Chiefs’ offense avoid the pressure and capitalize on the Steelers’ defensive aggression? If they do, they should put points on the board.

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X-Factor #1: Russell Wilson’s Deep Ball

Here’s a fun fact: if Wilson hits on a few deep shots, Pittsburgh becomes a very dangerous team. He still has that deep-ball magic, and against the Chiefs’ secondary, that’s something to watch. If George Pickens is healthy and can stretch the field, the Steelers might just pull off the upset. The Chiefs’ defense can be solid, but deep balls have been their Achilles' heel at times. If Wilson can hit a couple of big ones, suddenly this becomes a game of explosive plays rather than methodical drives.

X-Factor #2: Chiefs Pass Rush

Speaking of explosive plays, the Chiefs’ pass rush has been heating up at just the right time. The last couple of weeks have shown real improvement, with defensive backs blitzing and the front seven creating pressure on quarterbacks. Wilson has been sacked consistently this season, and if Spagnuolo’s crew can rattle him, it could be a long day for Pittsburgh’s offense. The pass rush may be the key to making sure Wilson doesn’t have enough time to air it out.

Prediction: Chiefs 28, Steelers 17

The Chiefs have their eyes set on the top seed in the AFC, and despite the short week, they’re not about to let that slip away. Even without a 100% Chris Jones, Mahomes and the offense should do enough to secure the win. The Steelers will hang around, but Wilson will be pressured into mistakes, and the Chiefs' offense will eventually wear down Pittsburgh’s defense. Look for Kansas City to clinch the top spot in the AFC and send their fans a holiday gift they won’t forget.