Chiefs Secure AFC's Top Spot with Christmas Victory Over Steelers

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially locked up the AFC’s No. 1 seed following a dominant 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. This win ensures the Chiefs will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, along with a first-round bye.

With the victory, the Kansas City Chiefs have claimed the AFC's top seed with a decisive 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. This triumph ensures the Chiefs have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first-round bye. Kansas City has achieved its third No. 1 seed under the guidance of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid. The pair has now reached this milestone together three times. Earlier this season, the Chiefs secured their ninth straight AFC West title in Week 14 following a win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

"It shows the toughness of the team," Mahomes reflected after the game. "We got better as the games went on. The guys are mentally tough and physically tough. We’ve faced some great teams, battled hard, and come away with three straight wins. Getting the No. 1 seed is huge—it’s like winning a playoff game, so I’m happy we got it done."

Mahomes delivered another impressive performance against Pittsburgh, completing 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Travis Kelce was his preferred target, securing eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce made history by becoming the third tight end in NFL history to exceed 1,000 career receptions. Additionally, he set a franchise record with 77 career touchdown receptions.

Kansas City's offense has been strengthened by a solid supporting cast, featuring running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and rookie Xavier Worthy. The Chiefs were further enhanced in Week 16 with Marquise Brown's return, marking his season debut.

The defense has been crucial to the team’s success as well, with impressive performances from Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Trent McDuffie. Led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense continues to be one of the league’s top units.

Despite concerns like Jones' calf problem and Pacheco's rib injury, which caused him to exit the game in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs now have the opportunity to rest and recuperate. They approach the final stretch of the regular season with a 15-1 record, aiming for their third straight Super Bowl victory. The last time Kansas City secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, they won Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"We know our job isn't done," Reid said. "We’ll celebrate this for now, but we’ve got a good Denver team to face next, and then the playoffs. We need to stay sharp."

With the top seed locked up, the Chiefs now have the option to rest their starters in Week 18 as they prepare for the postseason.