Kansas City Chiefs vs Steelers Match Player Stats: Inside Mahomes’ Dominance
The kansas city chiefs vs steelers match player stats tell a compelling story of how dramatically this rivalry has shifted in recent years. Let’s break down the numbers that matter.
Recent Matchups at a Glance
| Date | Result | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2024 | Chiefs 29, Steelers 10 | Chiefs clinch AFC #1 seed |
| Jan 16, 2022 | Chiefs 42, Steelers 21 | AFC Wild Card, Roethlisberger’s final game |
| Dec 26, 2021 | Chiefs 36, Steelers 10 | Chiefs secure 6th straight AFC West title |
While Pittsburgh historically leads the all-time series 22-13, Kansas City has flipped the script in dramatic fashion, winning their last three meetings by an average of 22 points according to Pro-Football-Reference data.
Quarterback Comparison: The Decisive Factor
The quarterback battle tells much of the story:
Patrick Mahomes’ Dominance
| Game | Comp/Att | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | 29/38 (76.3%) | 320 | 3 | 0 | 127.1 |
| Jan 2022 | 30/39 (76.9%) | 404 | 5 | 1 | 138.2 |
| Dec 2021 | 23/30 (76.7%) | 258 | 3 | 0 | 135.1 |
Steelers QBs’ Struggles
| Game | QB | Comp/Att | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | Wilson | 23/37 (62.2%) | 205 | 0 | 1 | 65.7 |
| Jan 2022 | Roethlisberger | 29/44 (65.9%) | 215 | 2 | 0 | 92.5 |
| Dec 2021 | Roethlisberger | 23/35 (65.7%) | 159 | 1 | 1 | 73.4 |
What stands out most? Mahomes maintained an extraordinary 76% completion rate across all three games while averaging 9.1 yards per attempt. Steelers quarterbacks barely averaged 5 yards per attempt, highlighting a stark contrast in passing efficiency.
Looking at the January 2022 playoff matchup specifically, Mahomes’ 404-yard, 5-touchdown performance came after a slow first quarter, as documented by Pro-Football-Reference. The Chiefs’ offense then exploded, scoring touchdowns on six consecutive possessions.
Key Offensive Contributors
Chiefs’ Weapons
Travis Kelce
- 2024: 8 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD (11 targets)
- 2022: 5 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD (7 targets) + threw a 2-yard TD pass
- Consistently Mahomes’ most reliable target
Wide Receiver Production
- 2021-22: Tyreek Hill and Byron Pringle (4 TDs combined)
- 2024: Xavier Worthy (8 catches, 79 yards, TD) with elite separation stats
- Justin Watson: 2 catches, 60 yards, TD including 49-yard big play in 2024
Running Back Rotation
- Different leaders each game showed KC’s depth
- 2022 Playoff: Jerick McKinnon totaled 142 scrimmage yards (61 rushing, 81 receiving)
- 2024: Kareem Hunt (9 carries, 20 yards, TD)
- 2021: Committee of Edwards-Helaire, Williams and Gore combined for 23 carries, 98 yards
Steelers’ Playmakers
Najee Harris
- 2024: 13 carries, 74 yards (5.7 avg)
- 2022: 12 carries, 29 yards (2.4 avg)
- 2021: 19 carries, 93 yards (4.9 avg)
- Zero touchdowns across all three games
Jaylen Warren (2024 Emergence)
- 11 carries, 71 yards (6.5 avg)
- 5 receptions for 41 yards
- 112 total scrimmage yards
- 3.09 yards after contact per attempt (elite metric)
Pass Catchers
- 2021-22: Diontae Johnson led targets, scored in both games
- 2024: Pat Freiermuth became primary option (7 catches, 60 yards)
- George Pickens struggled with separation (2.3 yards, 91st among WRs)
Running Back Efficiency Comparison (2024 Game)
| Running Back | Team | YCO/Att | Elusive Rating | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Warren | PIT | 3.09 | 72.6 | 54% |
| Najee Harris | PIT | 2.89 | 79.8 | 46% |
| Kareem Hunt | KC | 2.51 | 35.2 | 33% |
| Isiah Pacheco | KC | 2.40 | 24.3 | 33% |
Data from Steelers Depot’s advanced metrics analysis
This chart shows that while Pittsburgh’s running backs displayed superior individual metrics in the 2024 matchup, it wasn’t enough to overcome the passing game disadvantage.
Defensive Game-Changers
Top Defensive Plays
| Player | Team | Game | Impact Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| T.J. Watt | PIT | Jan 2022 | 26-yard fumble return TD |
| Justin Reid | KC | Dec 2024 | Intercepted Russell Wilson |
| Trent McDuffie | KC | Dec 2024 | Forced fumble on Freiermuth |
| Mike Danna | KC | Dec 2024 | 2 sacks on Wilson |
| Tershawn Wharton | KC | Multiple | Sacks in multiple games |
| Devin Bush | PIT | Jan 2022 | Intercepted Mahomes |
Pass Rush Comparison
Chiefs Defense:
- 5 sacks on Wilson (2024)
- 2 sacks on Roethlisberger (Jan 2022)
- 2 sacks on Roethlisberger (Dec 2021)
- 9 total sacks across three games
Steelers Defense:
- 0 sacks on Mahomes (2024)
- 3 sacks on Mahomes (Jan 2022)
- 2 sacks on Mahomes (Dec 2021)
- 5 total sacks across three games
The Chiefs’ defensive pressure was particularly notable in their 2024 matchup, as they entered that game ranking 4th in the NFL in pressure rate (26.9%) and 2nd in blitz rate (33%).
Turnover Battle
Chiefs forced 6 turnovers:
- 2 in Dec 2024 (1 INT, 1 fumble)
- 1 in Jan 2022 (1 fumble)
- 3 in Dec 2021 (1 INT, 2 fumbles)
Steelers forced just 2 turnovers:
- 0 in Dec 2024
- 2 in Jan 2022 (1 INT, 1 fumble)
- 0 in Dec 2021
T.J. Watt’s fumble return touchdown in the January 2022 game stands as the most impactful defensive play in these matchups, but Pittsburgh couldn’t build on that momentum.
Breaking Down the Statistical Dominance
Scoring Efficiency
- Chiefs: 36, 42, and 29 points (35.7 avg)
- Steelers: 10, 21, and 10 points (13.7 avg)
- 22-point average margin of victory for KC
Drive Success
- Chiefs converted 6 consecutive possessions into TDs (Jan 2022)
- KC consistently sustained drives with third-down efficiency
- Steelers frequently stalled, particularly in red zone
These scoring patterns mirror what we’ve seen in other AFC matchups featuring the Chiefs. Their offensive efficiency against conference opponents has been remarkable, as shown in their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens as well.
Personnel Adaptability
- Chiefs maintained production despite roster changes
- Different receivers and running backs stepped up each game
- Andy Reid’s system maximized available talent
Advanced Metrics (2024 Game)
- Xavier Worthy: 3.6 yards separation (7th among WRs)
- George Pickens: 2.3 yards separation (91st among WRs)
- Chiefs defense: 4th in NFL pressure rate (26.9%)
- Steelers RBs: Harris (2.89 YCO) and Warren (3.09 YCO) ranked high in yards after contact
The separation metrics are particularly telling. While the Chiefs’ receivers consistently created space, Pittsburgh’s passing game was hampered by tight coverage. This pattern has plagued the Steelers in other divisional matchups as well, including against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Why These Stats Matter for Future Matchups
The numbers point to several advantages for Kansas City that persist regardless of personnel changes:
1. Quarterback Gap
- Mahomes’ 133.5 average rating vs. Steelers QBs’ 77.2
- Consistent accuracy (76% completion) and efficiency
- Superior yards per attempt (9.1 vs 4.9)
2. Schematic Edge
- Andy Reid’s system creates mismatches against Pittsburgh
- Ability to score regardless of defensive adjustments
- Multiple weapons stepping up each game
3. Defensive Disruption
- More consistent pressure on opposing QBs
- Superior turnover creation
- Timely defensive plays in key moments
What I find most remarkable about these games is how the Chiefs maintained their offensive identity while adapting to personnel changes. Even as players like Tyreek Hill departed and rookies like Xavier Worthy arrived, the system’s effectiveness against Pittsburgh remained remarkably consistent.
5 Key Questions About Chiefs-Steelers Matchups
What makes Mahomes so effective against Pittsburgh?
His precision in the intermediate range (8-12 yards) consistently beats their coverage schemes. His ability to vary his targets prevents defensive adjustments. The pressure rate against him has been significantly lower than against Steelers quarterbacks.
Which Steelers player has found most success against KC?
T.J. Watt stands out with his 26-yard fumble return touchdown and consistent pressure. On offense, Jaylen Warren’s 2024 performance (112 scrimmage yards, 3.09 YCO) showed a potential formula for future success.
How has KC’s defense dominated despite personnel changes?
Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme emphasizes pressure (4th in NFL rate) and disguised coverages. They’ve forced 6 turnovers across the three games and held Steelers QBs under 220 yards in each contest.
Can Pittsburgh’s running game balance the scales?
The 2024 game showed promise with 202 team rushing yards. Harris and Warren both averaged over 5.7 yards per carry. Building on this ground success while improving pass protection could narrow the gap.
When is the next Chiefs-Steelers matchup?
The 2025 NFL schedule hasn’t been released. Based on the league’s scheduling formula, they would only face off if they finish in corresponding positions in their divisions or meet in the playoffs.
Final Takeaway
The kansas city chiefs vs steelers match player stats reveal a clear pattern of dominance established through elite quarterback play, scheme versatility, and opportunistic defense. While history favors Pittsburgh in the overall series, recent results suggest Kansas City has found a winning formula that transcends individual matchups.
