The NFL Christmas Day doubleheader promises an exciting slate of games, but it also brings intriguing betting opportunities for fans looking to capitalize on player performances. Two notable players to watch are Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray and Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon. While Gray is poised for a potential bounce-back game against the Steelers, Mixon faces a daunting matchup against the Ravens.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect from these two key players on Christmas Day.
Noah Gray: A Prime Opportunity for a Comeback
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is looking to put last week’s quiet performance behind him as he prepares to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Against the Houston Texans, Gray recorded just one reception for 10 yards and saw his route participation dip to 41%, well below his usual 50%. This decline appeared to stem from an awkward landing on his back, which forced him to miss a few plays.
Heading into the Steelers matchup, Gray is fully healthy and ready to reclaim his regular role in the offense. This is particularly good news for the Chiefs, as Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled to contain tight ends all season. The Steelers have allowed 21 tight ends to surpass Gray’s projected receiving yard total across 15 games, with injuries in their secondary contributing to defensive lapses.
Gray’s ability to find soft spots in the coverage makes him a prime candidate to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s weaknesses. With Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes likely to exploit those mismatches, Gray could play a significant role in the Chiefs’ passing attack.
Projections place Gray’s receiving yard total at approximately 18.5 yards, and with the Steelers’ defensive issues, there’s a strong chance he’ll exceed that number. For the Chiefs, Gray’s return to form could be a key factor in securing a win on Christmas Day.
Joe Mixon: A Tough Road Ahead Against Ravens Defense
While Noah Gray has a favorable outlook, the same cannot be said for Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon, who faces a daunting test against the Baltimore Ravens. Mixon has been a reliable workhorse for the Texans this season, leading the team’s rushing attack. However, the matchup against Baltimore presents significant challenges that could limit his production.
As 5.5-point underdogs, the Texans are projected to trail for a significant portion of the game. This likely game script could force Houston to rely more on its passing game, especially in short-yardage situations where they already pass above the league average.
The Ravens’ defense compounds Mixon’s difficulties. Baltimore’s pass-funnel defensive strategy is designed to stifle opposing rushing attacks, making it one of the toughest matchups for running backs in the league. While Mixon has shown the ability to contribute as a pass-catcher, his opportunities to make an impact on the ground may be limited.
Given the expected game flow and Baltimore’s defensive strengths, Mixon’s chances of exceeding his rushing prop are slim. The Texans’ offense will need to lean heavily on their passing game to keep up with the Ravens, further reducing Mixon’s role in the game plan.
What’s at Stake
The Christmas Day games will not only entertain fans but also offer a chance to see how these two players respond to very different challenges. For Noah Gray, the matchup against Pittsburgh presents an opportunity to bounce back and make a meaningful contribution to Kansas City’s offense. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon faces an uphill battle against a tough Ravens defense that has proven capable of shutting down top rushing threats.
As the NFL’s holiday slate unfolds, all eyes will be on these players to see how they perform under the spotlight. Whether it’s Gray’s rebound or Mixon’s uphill fight, the Christmas Day games are sure to deliver excitement for fans and bettors alike.
