NFL Christmas Day expert picks, predictions, and best player props break down an NFL Christmas Day doubleheader to find the best plays available!
Christmas Day brings the gift of NFL action, with two marquee matchups set to light up the holiday. The 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs travel to Pittsburgh, facing the Steelers in a clash of playoff-bound teams eager to sharpen their edge. Both squads enter the game on short rest, having played just last Saturday.
Later, the Baltimore Ravens visit the Houston Texans in a Christmas showdown with postseason stakes. Both teams have already secured their playoff berths, but seeding hangs in the balance. On a day for giving, these games promise to deliver moments to remember under the lights of the holiday spotlight.
Take a look at our NFL Christmas Day Expert Picks, Predictions, & Best Player Prop Bets!
Chiefs vs. Steelers Betting Preview
All Chiefs vs. Steelers odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
- Spread: Chiefs -3
- Moneyline: Chiefs -155 | Steelers +135
- Over/Under: 41.5
- Game Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Acrisure Stadium | Pittsburgh, PA
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 38 degrees, Cloudy, 3 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: Netflix
Chiefs vs. Steelers Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
The reality is that I believe this is an intriguing matchup between two teams that are relatively overrated in the AFC. The Chiefs have yet to score over 31 points in a game this season, just one of three teams struggling to pass that mark. 11 of the Chief’s 14 wins are one-score games. Meanwhile, the Steelers have gotten off to a tough start in what is easily the toughest stretch of the 2024 schedule for them. Their last four games feature matchups against three current division leaders. They’ve already lost two straight to the Eagles and Ravens and will face the Bengals after their home matchup against Kansas City.
The Chiefs offensive line continues to look suspect. And that doesn’t bode well against a pass rush led by Defensive Player of the Year front-runner T.J. Watt. Yes, Steelers fans will overreact to a win if they get it done against Kansas City, but I think this is a good matchup for the Steelers. They’re up against an offense that can put them in a serious hole like the Ravens and Eagles have done the last two weeks. I think Pittsburgh gets it done at home on Christmas Day for our first NFL Christmas Day expert pick.
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Jaylen Warren – RB, Steelers – Over 57.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-125)
Without George Pickens, the Steelers’ offense has faced its share of adversity. Yet, in the shadows of uncertainty, Jaylen Warren has quietly emerged as a beacon of reliability. The running back, who plays with grit and grace, has proven he can affect the game in ways that transcend the stat sheet.
Against the Ravens, Warren delivered 92 total yards, including five receptions, a testament to his versatility. It’s not just about how many carries he gets; it’s about the moments he makes matter. While his lone blemish came against the Eagles in Week 15, Warren has been a model of consistency, surpassing 57.5 total yards in eight of his last nine games.
There was one guy in shorts in the snow… Jaylen Warren #Steelers pic.twitter.com/t7Crq7t1Sp
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) December 11, 2024
In a passing game now commanded by Russell Wilson, Warren has become the safety valve, the steady hand when the offense needs it most. With Pickens out, Warren has taken on the mantle of the Steelers’ most dependable playmaker—a role he seems born to fill. I love this as our first NFL Christmas Day expert player prop.
Ravens vs. Texans Betting Preview
All Ravens vs. Texans odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
- Spread: Ravens -5.5
- Moneyline: Ravens -240 | Texans +215
- Over/Under: 46.5
- Game Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium | Houston, TX
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 71 degrees, Cloudy, 4 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: Netflix
Ravens vs. Texans Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
If the NFL playoffs began today, the Ravens and Texans would meet in Houston for a first-round clash. Baltimore, with its statistical dominance and near-full health, would likely be favored. The Ravens’ potent offense forces opponents to chase points, which is an uphill battle for any team, let alone a Texans squad missing key weapons.
Houston’s offense has been dealt significant blows, losing wideout Tank Dell to a likely season-ending knee injury and Stefon Diggs to injured reserve. Without their most dynamic playmakers, the Texans face an uphill climb against a surging Baltimore defense that’s peaking at the right time.
Yet, there’s something about this Houston team at home. Resilient and relentless, they’ve rebounded from adversity before. A bounce-back effort, especially after the disappointment in Kansas City, feels well within their reach. I think they hang with the Ravens in this one.
C.J. Stroud – QB, Texans – Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (+130)
C.J. Stroud’s sophomore season hasn’t reached the heights of his electrifying rookie campaign, but it’s far from a failure. While his numbers haven’t been as eye-popping, Stroud remains a steady and intriguing force, particularly for prop bets.
This week, the focus is on his touchdowns. At plus money for Over 1.5 passing scores, the line suggests a struggle to find the end zone. Yet Stroud has thrown 19 touchdowns this season, with at least two in three of his last four games.
December CJ Stroud… pic.twitter.com/MuvAAGQJr5
— big ounce (@_bigounce) December 15, 2024
Baltimore’s defense is solid but not impenetrable. Allowing 23.3 points per game and 6.8 yards per pass attempt, they’ve proven vulnerable through the air. Teams pass on the Ravens 37.3 times per game, averaging nearly 255 yards—among the league’s highest marks.
For Stroud, this matchup offers opportunity. On Christmas, against a defense that bends against the pass, Stroud has a real chance to shine. At plus money, the Over feels like the right call.
Best Bets:
- Steelers +3
- Jaylen Warren OVER 57.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-125)
- CJ Stroud Over 1.5 Passing TDs (+130)
