NFL Christmas Day betting preview & top picks | Week 17, 2024

Week 17 of the NFL season kicks off with the highly anticipated Christmas Day slate. Below are our free betting picks for both games this Wednesday.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Wednesday, December 25 – 1pm EST – Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

The Kansas City Chiefs have a chance to secure top spot in the AFC when they head to Pittsburgh for a clash with the Steelers.

While they haven’t blown away the competition this season, the Chiefs continue to get the job done, with seven of their last eight wins being decided by less than one score. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes gains most of the headlines for their good form, but it is the defense that is exceptional, ranking second in the NFL in points per game.

On the other hand, the Steelers have lost three of their last five games. They still remain on top of the AFC North, but with the same record as the Ravens, they have to keep winning to lock in a home playoff. At one point the Steelers had the best defensive record in the NFL, but they have conceded an average of nearly 30 points per game in the last month and their offense has not been able to keep up.

It is hard to look past the Chiefs in any situation, particularly with a playoff bye at stake. The line is set at -2.5 points with top NFL sportsbooks, but given the difference in form for both teams, add a couple of extra points for boosted value.

Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

Wednesday, December 25 – 4:30pm EST – NRG Stadium, Houston

The Houston Texans host the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday in a clash between two of the top teams in the AFC.

Coming off an impressive win over the Steelers on Saturday, the Ravens are now back as favorites to secure the AFC North at -153.85 with leading online bookmakers. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing excellent football, while the team has won its last two games by a combined 38 points. The Ravens have a top-three offense, thanks largely to the rushing duo of Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.

On the other hand, the Texans are stumbling towards the playoffs after losing two of their last four games. Despite having secured the AFC South title, injuries are mounting on both sides of the ball. They look destined for the fourth seed in the AFC, but with just two games left before the playoffs, Houston will need to gather momentum quickly.

The Ravens are favorites for this game, and it is hard to see it going any other way. C.J. Stroud and the Texans are without three of their top four receivers, while the visitors have been in better form on both sides of the ball. Back the Ravens to cover the boosted line of -7.5 points at +170 with major sports betting sites.

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