Steelers at Chiefs: Week 16 Odds and Picks

The Kansas City Chiefs have won seven games in a row and are preparing to host a Pittsburgh Steelers team that is fighting for its playoff life.

According to the NFL betting odds from BetMGM, the Chiefs are 7.5-point favorites in this matchup. Read on to learn more about this Steelers at Chiefs Week 16 matchup.

Steelers at Chiefs Game Breakdown

• Date: Sunday, Dec. 26th
• Time: 4:25 PM EST
• Venue: Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO
• Participants: Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs’ passing offense is averaging 287.4 yards per game. That’s the second-highest mark in the NFL. Despite missing key players like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, I’m not all that concerned about the Chiefs’ offense in this game.

Their defense, on the other hand, has been a bit more vulnerable. Pittsburgh enters this Week 16 matchup boasting an offense that attempts the seventh most passes in the NFL on a per-game basis. However, over the past three games, the Chiefs’ defense has given up the sixth-most passing yards per game in the NFL, allowing an average of 244 yards.

Pittsburgh’s run defense has struggled all season, but it’s the pass defense that could allow the Chiefs to put up points. Pittsburgh’s run defense ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, but Kansas City averages the 11th fewest rushing attempts in the league.

Kansas City will likely take a pass-heavy approach in this game, which will help the over bettors. Kansas City throws the second-most passes per game in the NFL (40.4), and Pittsburgh’s pass defense allows the 10th highest completion percentage in football.

Chiefs -7.5 (-110)

The Steelers have a significant disadvantage on third down, and it could spell their downfall in this AFC matchup. Kansas City is converting 52.6 percent of its third downs this season, the best mark in the NFL in that category. On the other side of the ball, third down conversions have been a problem for the Steelers as of late.

The Steelers have allowed the 10th highest third down conversion rate in the NFL over the past three games.

If the Steelers can’t stop the Chiefs on third down, Pittsburgh’s defense may have trouble getting off the field against the Chiefs. That’s a problem because the Steelers’ offense may then have to take big shots down the field to keep scoring pace with Kansas City. That isn’t the Steelers’ strength, as they only rank 28rd in yards per play, opting to take short gains on offense.

The Steelers have playmakers like Chase Claypool and Najee Harris, who have combined for ten touchdowns this year. They might have success against a Kansas City defense that is 13th in touchdowns allowed per game, but I doubt it will be enough to keep the game close.

Bet on the Steelers at Chiefs in Week 16

Kansas City has far more offensive firepower than Pittsburgh, and I don’t believe that the Steelers’ slow-moving offense won’t be able to keep up.

Online sports betting fans can wager on the Steelers at Chiefs along with all the NFL Week 16 games by visiting the BetMGM online sportsbook. Create an account today for a risk-free initial bet of up to $1,000.