The Kansas City Chiefs gave their fans a gift on Christmas with a victory that assured them a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
The Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 29-10, clinching first place in the AFC on Christmas Day.
Kansas City started fast and never looked back, leading 13-0 after scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions.
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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson (84) celebrates an 11-yard touchdown with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. (Barry Reeger/Image Images)
It looked like the Steelers were going to respond immediately when running back Jaylen Warren had an 8-yard rushing touchdown, but it was called back due to a holding penalty.
On the play after the penalty, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception in the end zone and the Steelers missed a chance to take the lead.
Despite being stopped in the red zone, Wilson was successful on the next series.
The Steelers quarterback scrambled for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, capping an 11-play, 72-yard drive to make the score 13-7.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) during the first half on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
After halftime, the teams traded field goals to make the score 16-10, and then the Chiefs pulled away.
Patrick Mahomes engineered an 11-play, 77-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Kareem Hunt to make the score 22-10 after the Chiefs’ two-point conversion was unsuccessful.
On the next drive, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth fumbled at the Steelers 34-yard line, setting up the Chiefs with great field position.
Mahomes took advantage of the fumble and found Travis Kelce wide open for a touchdown to make the score 29-10.
Kelce’s touchdown reception was the 77th of his career, passing Tony Gonzalez for the most touchdown receptions in Chiefs franchise history.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Mahomes completed 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
Kelce had eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, while rookie receiver Xavier Worthy had eight catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs’ victory.
The Steelers’ loss is critical to their AFC North title chances. If the Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans in the second half of the NFL’s Christmas Day doubleheader, the Ravens would have the lead over the Steelers for the AFC North title.
Wilson threw for 205 yards and one interception and ran the ball six times for 55 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had three receptions for 50 yards in his return after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) celebrates his touchdown with Hollywood Brown (5) during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Both teams were playing their third game in 11 days.
The Chiefs’ final regular-season game won’t matter since they’ve already clinched the No. 1 seed, but it may matter to their opponent. The division rival Denver Broncos could be fighting for their playoff lives, depending on the outcome of Week 17.
The Steelers host the up-and-coming Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.
