In Kansas City, the Chiefs took a commanding win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, finishing with a score of 27-19. The star of the game was quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who delivered a standout performance, averaging his quickest time to throw of the season at just 2.34 seconds. Mahomes completed 20 of 24 pass attempts under 2.5 seconds for a total of 190 yards and two touchdowns. This rapid-fire style reflects his growing dominance in the league.
Also notable in this game was tight end Travis Kelce, who caught his 77th career touchdown, making him the all-time leader in franchise history. Additionally, Kelce achieved a significant milestone by reaching 1,004 career receptions, placing him at 14th all-time and only the third tight end to hit this mark.
Meanwhile, in Baltimore, the Ravens clinched a playoff spot with a strong 34-17 victory over the Texans. Quarterback Lamar Jackson not only showcased his arm but also his legs, recording the third-longest average time to throw of his career at 3.67 seconds. He also registered a season-high of 13.5 scramble yards per dropback, indicating his efficiency under pressure. Kyle Van Noy, a linebacker for the Ravens, impressed with a sack for the fourth consecutive game, raising his career-high sack total to 11.5 this season.
On Monday night, the Green Bay Packers secured their spot in the playoffs with a crunchtime performance, shutting out the New Orleans Saints in a 34-0 win. This decisive victory highlighted their strong defense and sharp offensive execution as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Overall, the events of Christmas Day showcased thrilling performances from star players while setting the tone for the intense playoff battles ahead in the 2024 NFL season.