Chiefs Clinch AFC Top Seed After Win

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs with a 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, concluding a challenging three-game stretch in just 11 days. This win secures them a first-round bye, allowing Coach Andy Reid the option to rest key players during their regular-season finale against the Broncos, which could mean as much as 25 days off before their next game in the playoffs. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes emphasized the importance of this break for recovering injured teammates, including defensive tackle Chris Jones and offensive tackle D.J. Humphries. The Chiefs have faced a demanding schedule this season, but their resilience has allowed them to maintain a strong performance. Mahomes noted that this bye is particularly crucial given the physical toll of the current season, making it a strategic advantage heading into the playoffs. They aim to leverage this rest to enhance their chances for a successful postseason run.