NFL Christmas Blowouts: Stars Shine, Playoff Picture Clears
It’s safe to say the NFL officially owns Christmas now. With two games on the schedule and a halftime performance by Beyoncé that had everyone talking, the league managed to steal the spotlight from the NBA’s long-held holiday tradition.
Both matchups had high stakes, and even though the games themselves turned into blowouts, they still provided some standout performances from some of the league's brightest stars.
This year was a landmark for the NFL — its first-ever games on Netflix. For a league that’s already mastered the art of live sports broadcasting, stepping into the streaming world felt like the next big move. Millions of fans tuned in, blending holiday traditions with NFL action, and the games became a centerpiece for football families across the country. And let’s be honest, some of those people weren’t just here for the football.
Whether it was family members reluctantly watching alongside die-hard fans or folks tuning in just for Beyoncé’s halftime show, the league managed to make this holiday about more than gifts and eggnog.
Let’s break down exactly how these games unfolded and what they mean for the ever-tightening playoff race.
Playoff Pressure Meets Holiday Lights
As the holiday season met the playoff push, the stakes for the Christmas Day games couldn’t have been higher.
For the Steelers, they woke up leading the AFC North and eyeing a chance to solidify their hold on the division. Hosting the Chiefs, they knew a win would not only keep them at the top but also serve as a statement that they could compete with the AFC’s elite. On the other side, Kansas City entered as the conference’s top seed, looking to lock down a first-round bye and prove their dominance even without key players like Chris Jones.
Meanwhile, the Ravens headed to Houston for a game that felt like a must-win to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs. Lamar Jackson’s record-breaking season continued to set the tone, and Baltimore was trying to show they were more than just a wildcard contender. The Texans, missing a lot of offensive weapons, were trying to turn the tide and head into the playoffs on a high note while hoping to play spoiler on a big stage.
The stakes weren’t just about positioning; they were about setting the tone. The Chiefs came in as the AFC’s top seed, aiming to prove their dominance despite missing some key defensive players. Meanwhile, the Ravens wanted to remind everyone they’re still a powerhouse led by a record-breaking Lamar Jackson.
For fans watching, the hope was for games that would match the weight of the moment. Instead, what they got were a pair of lopsided results that left a mix of frustration and renewed confidence in the teams that came out on top.
Kansas City Chiefs 29, Pittsburgh Steelers 10
Patrick Mahomes at His Best
The Chiefs rolled into Pittsburgh on Christmas Day and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, cruising to a 29-10 win. Patrick Mahomes was in complete control from the first snap, turning in one of his sharpest games of the year.
He finished with 320 yards through the air, completing 76% of his passes and slicing up the Steelers' defense with ease. Against the blitz, Mahomes was nearly flawless, going 8-for-13 for 149 yards, showing once again why he’s one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league to affect.
Credit also goes to the Chiefs’ offensive line. Despite only mustering up 69 rushing yards as a team, the line allowed just seven pressures all game. That's currently their second-lowest total of the season.
Travis Kelce Makes Franchise History
Travis Kelce didn’t just show up — he showed out. Needing four catches to hit 1,000 for his career and one touchdown to surpass Tony Gonzalez for the franchise record, Kelce delivered his best game of the year.
First Things First co-host Nick Wright said early in the year, "Travis Kelce has approximately 8 excellent games left in his body... So I don't think you're going to have week-to-week dominant Travis Kelce anymore. I think you're going to see dominant stretches." This game could be the start of one of those stretches.
He led all receivers in both games with 84 yards, including 54 yards after the catch, and found the end zone in a performance that felt like vintage Kelce. His chemistry with Mahomes is peaking at just the right time, and that’s a scary thought for the rest of the AFC.
A Defense Without Chris Jones Still Dominates
Even without Chris Jones anchoring the defensive line, the Chiefs’ defense stepped up in a big way. They sacked Russell Wilson five times, with the pass rush and secondary working in perfect harmony.
The Steelers tried to push the ball downfield, but Wilson went just 1-for-6 on deep passes, throwing an interception that summed up Pittsburgh’s day. When under pressure, Wilson managed only 25 yards on 2-of-8 passing, as the Steelers struggled to adjust their game plan.
Too Many Mistakes from Pittsburgh
To their credit, the Steelers moved the ball at times and showed flashes of the offense they hoped to be. But uncharacteristic mistakes kept them from capitalizing. Turnovers, penalties, and missed opportunities piled up, and against a team like Kansas City, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Wilson’s struggles under pressure were compounded by the lack of effective play-action — used on just 20% of snaps where he was pressured — leaving little room for creativity.
Santa Reid Delivers No. 1 Seed
With the win, the Chiefs locked in the AFC’s No. 1 seed, ensuring the road to the Super Bowl runs through Arrowhead Stadium. Kelce and Mahomes are clearly rounding into playoff form just in the nick of time. Meanwhile, the Steelers not only lost the game but control of the AFC North, as Baltimore’s win later in the day knocked them out of the division lead.
In the postgame locker room, Andy Reid brought the holiday spirit, dressing as Santa and handing out gifts of No. 1 seeds and first-round byes. It was a fitting end to a day that cemented the Chiefs’ status as the team to beat in the AFC.
Baltimore Ravens 31, Houston Texans 2
The Ravens left no doubt on Christmas Day, dismantling the Texans 31-2 in a game that showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball. Baltimore’s offense fired on all cylinders, led by a masterful performance from Lamar Jackson, while their defense completely stifled C.J. Stroud and Houston’s once high-flying offense.
Lamar Jackson in Full MVP Form
Lamar Jackson put together another gem of a performance, finishing with three total touchdowns and a passer rating of 143.9. He didn’t just manage the game — he dictated it. Jackson’s ability to mix his dynamic rushing with precise passing has been the hallmark of his season, and against the Texans, he proved why he belongs in the MVP conversation.
In an article I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the MVP race, I talked about Jackson's path to winning the award: "A dominant close to the season could flip the race in his favor—especially if he delivers in high-pressure situations and puts up another signature performance or two. The numbers are already on his side; now, he just needs the moments." Against Houston, Lamar Jackson delivered exactly that.
Derrick Henry’s Holiday Stampede
On the ground, Derrick Henry was an unstoppable force, as he has been for much of the season. He led all rushers on Christmas with 147 yards and a touchdown, posting a staggering 74.1% success rate on his carries — meaning nearly three-quarters of his runs resulted in positive EPA (Expected Points Added).
Once again, Henry reminded everyone why he’s one of the most unique and explosive players in the league, blending size, speed, and power in a way few defenses can handle.
Mark Andrews Makes Every Catch Count
Travis Kelce wasn’t the only tight end making headlines on Netflix. Mark Andrews made the most of his two receptions, turning them into 68 yards and a touchdown — 53 of which came after the catch.
On just 12 routes, Andrews averaged 5.7 yards per route with 5.5 yards of separation — a sign of how consistently he found open space. While he didn’t put up gaudy numbers, Andrews’ contributions came in critical moments and kept the Ravens’ offense humming.
Defensive Masterclass
Baltimore’s defense turned in one of its finest performances of the season, holding Houston’s offense to a measly two points. C.J. Stroud, who's working with a depleted wide receiving corps due to injuries piling up, was completely neutralized.
The Ravens' linebackers were all over the field in this one, holding Stroud to just 20 yards on three receptions when a linebacker was the nearest defender. That unit alone also accounted for three of the team’s five sacks.
Texans Come Up Empty
Houston’s offense entered the game with promise, but their lack of depth at wide receiver and inability to adjust against Baltimore’s defense left them scoreless. For a team that has already locked up the AFC South, this kind of performance raises red flags. Postseason success often hinges on peaking at the right time, and right now, the Texans are trending in the wrong direction.
Milestones and Momentum
Lamar Jackson made history by surpassing Michael Vick as the NFL’s all-time leading rushing quarterback, adding another milestone to his MVP-caliber season. His growth as a passer only adds to his value, making him one of the most dangerous players in football.
Meanwhile, the Texans, while secure in their playoff position, face a critical need to regroup and address their shortcomings before the postseason begins. For Baltimore, this game was more than a win—it was a reminder to the rest of the league that they’re a team no one wants to face come January.
How Week 17 Will Shape the Postseason
Christmas games might have stolen the spotlight, but they aren’t the only ones with something on the line. The rest of this weekend’s matchups feature major playoff implications, from seeding battles to division titles. Here’s a closer look at the games that will help shape the postseason picture:
Vikings at Packers
Both teams have been dominant all season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The loser could find themselves in the rare position of being a 13 or 14-win wild card team. With home-field advantage still on the line, this game has all the makings of a classic.
Broncos at Bengals
The Broncos are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot and can seal the deal with a win in Cincinnati. For the Bengals, the path to the postseason is less straightforward. They need a victory and help from other teams to keep their playoff hopes alive. Expect both squads to treat this like a playoff game.
Falcons at Commanders
Michael Penix Jr. made a stellar debut for the Falcons last week, but now he faces a red-hot Commanders team fresh off a comeback win over the Eagles. Washington’s defense has been opportunistic, and their offense is finding ways to win despite turnovers. Both teams have everything to play for, with the NFC South crown and wild card spots still up for grabs.
While these games are at the forefront, other matchups still carry weight. Teams like the Buccaneers, Chargers, and Rams are fighting to solidify their postseason spots. Meanwhile, teams on the bubble will look for any edge to sneak into the playoffs.
Players to Watch
Expect big performances from stars who know what’s at stake. Justin Jefferson and Josh Jacobs in the Packers-Vikings game, Joe Burrow for the Bengals, and Michael Penix Jr. for the Falcons are all under the spotlight. As the postseason nears, every snap matters more than ever, and these players could be the difference-makers.