Can Xavier Worthy have one of his biggest games of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the No. 1 seed in the AFC still on the line, the Chiefs will look to clinch the top seed with a win in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day. Will Santa be nice to the defending Super Bowl champions, or will the Steelers play grinch and bring joy to the fans in Pittsburgh?
One key factor in this game will be the Chiefs finding creative ways to utilize the speed of Worthy.
The rookie, who has had his bright moments in his first season in the NFL, is nursing an ankle injury but if he is feeling good, he is a player the Steelers’ defense will have to account for. Expect the Steelers to be physical and aggressive in this high energy matchup, but could that aggressiveness backfire with a savvy, clutch quarterback like Patrick Mahomes and the creative play calling of Andy Reid?
In all, it could be a big day for the rookie who has been seeing more targets from Mahomes, both in the short passing game and down the field.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Pittsburgh Steelers game details: How to watch, betting odds
Date: Sunday, Dec. 25, 2024 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium
TV: Netflix | Live Stream: Netflix
Betting Odds: Chiefs -3; over/under 43.5 (via DraftKings)
Xavier Worthy receiving yards prop over/under odds vs. Steelers
Xavier Worthy odds for +70 receiving yards in the Week 17 matchup : +260 (Bet $10 to win $36.00).
Key factors:
- Worthy has a total of 559 yards receiving this season with his best games coming at the beginning of the season. Coming off a game in which he had 7 receptions for 65 yards against the Houston Texans, Worthy seems due for a huge game. Yes, the Steelers are a physical team, but Worthy’s speed can take a short pass the distance.
- In his last 5 games, Worthy has at least 40 reception yards and has been seeing the targets. Expect Mahomes to take some shots against an aggressive Steelers defense.
- The Steelers are mediocre against the pass ranking No. 20 in the NFL with 220.7 yards per game allowed in the air. If the pass rush doesn’t get to Mahomes, it could be a long day for the secondary.
- In contrast, the Chiefs passing offense ranks near the top 10 with 225.9 yards per game. With a balanced attack and the Steelers keyed in on Travis Kelce, Worthy may have opportunities to slip bast the Steelers secondary. If Mahomes has time to emphasize, Worthy may have a chance for a big play or two.
- Worthy did suffer an ankle injury against the Texas but isn’t expected to miss time. While there is concern there, sometimes a player finds a way to have his best game when there is some doubt about his health.
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Prediction: The defending Super Bowl champions won’t find a Christmas miracle in Pittsburgh as the Steelers will find a way to outlast Mahomes and the Chiefs. Worthy will get his touches in this game because the Steelers will focus in on taking away the running game and locking down Kelce. With Mahomes also nursing an injury, the Steelers will force him to win the game with his arm. Short and quick passes to Worthy will almost get it done as the rookie will break a couple of long runs on screens. Despite a couple of explosive plays by Worthy, the Steelers will hold on to win 27-24.