The Gift keeps on Giving with nfl christmas day games

By: Thomas Seaman and Henry Kvech

Chiefs vs. Steelers

For the first game of the Christmas Day double-header, the reigning superbowl champion Chiefs face off against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. While both teams have already clinched a playoff spot, the game does hold importance in deciding the AFC North champions and potentially securing a playoff bye for the Chiefs. 

Much of the importance of this game in deciding AFC North playoff standings lies in the results of the Steelers vs. Ravens game in week 16. On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs are one win and a Bills loss away from securing a bye week heading into the playoffs, along with guaranteed home field advantage.

The Steelers are one big win away from being considered contenders, and with their stout defense they look to get that win against the Chiefs next Wednesday. The Chiefs, who played in last year's Christmas game, are looking to flip the script this time around; last year they lost to the Raiders. 

This year’s game features two top-tier AFC teams, both with quarterbacks that have been tested deep in the playoffs. The Steelers look to extend their division lead, but could it be the Chiefs that find yet another way to win; either way, this is an exciting game.

Ravens vs. Texans

The 4:30 pm slot on Christmas Day features the Ravens (9-5), currently sitting on the verge of securing their playoff bid, squaring up against the Texans (9-5) who have already clinched their second straight AFC South title. Despite the Ravens virtually being a lock for the playoffs, what’s more important is the status of the division, which is currently being led by the aforementioned Steelers. The Ravens currently sit just one game below the division leader, but remain hopeful of securing the division in order to get a guaranteed home game in the playoffs. 

The Texans have less to play for: the only thing that could change for them would be their playoff seed. Moving up a seed, however, would mean playing a lower seed in the first round, which could be crucial if the Texans want to advance past the first round like they were able to last year.

Can Texans quarterback CJ Stroud take revenge against the team that eliminated them in the divisional round just a year ago, or will it be the two time MVP Lamar Jackson stealing a Christmas win.

Seahawks vs. Bears

Despite falling to the Packers and thus currently being out of the playoffs, the Seahawks are in a rare position of controlling their own destiny. With three games left to play (against the red-hot Vikings and Rams, and the frozen Bears), if the Seahawks win out they would hold a division leader spot. 

The Bears were recently eliminated from the playoffs after starting the season 4-2, but fell off a cliff to a lowly record of 4-10. Their record may be deceiving, however, as many of their losses occurred in dramatic and close fashion – see the debacle of an ending in their loss to the Commanders that began their eight-game losing streak. Since then, the Bears couldn’t ever seem to get back on track. Despite elimination, they will be looking to play spoiler at home to the Seahawks. 

A major storyline brewing in Seattle is the health of their quarterback Geno Smith. In the Seahawks game against the Packers on Sunday night, Smith took a hit that forced him into the locker room. His status is currently uncertain heading into the next week. With every game from here on out being essential for Seattle’s playoff hopes, they will be battling tooth and nail in the Windy City.

Can Seattle save their season, or will it be the Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams walking away with the win?