The Kansas City Chiefs secured the AFC’s top seed with a dominant 29-10 victory on the road in Week 17 over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. With this win, Kansas City improves to 15-1 on the season, ensuring they will have a home-field advantage and the conference’s lone first-round bye in these playoffs. This performance from the Chiefs showcased a team hitting its stride at the perfect time of the year, with both sides of the ball coming through when the necessary plays, even with key players like Chris Jones being out.
Patrick Mahomes continues to deliver masterclass performances as the postseason approaches. This time, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Then his right-hand man, Travis Kelce, also made some history, breaking former Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record for career touchdown receptions. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ defense picked up right where they left off from Saturday, holding the Steelers to just 10 points and forcing multiple turnovers.
Kansas City Chiefs Fast Start
The game began with Kansas City on defense, and defensive end Mike Danna set the tone early for the group with his first sack of the day on Russell Wilson to bring the Steelers’ opening drive to an abrupt end and force a quick three-and-out. The Chiefs’ offense capitalized on the favorable field position in their opening drive and put together an eight-play, 42-yard scoring drive, which was capped off by a Xavier Worthy touchdown reception. Although Harrison Butker missed the extra point, Kansas City jumped to a 6-0 lead with 9:19 left in the first quarter.
After another defensive stand, Mahomes and the offense got right back to work, and he connected on a 49-yard pass to Justin Watson, leading to an 11-yard touchdown reception by Watson. This seven-play, 79-yard scoring drive extended the lead to 13-0.
The defense remained sharp because late in the first quarter, the Steelers’ offense appeared to find some life on offense after a four-play, 59-yard drive, which at first resulted in a touchdown by the Steelers, but it was negated because of a holding penalty. Then, on the very next play, Russel Wilson forced the ball in the endzone through tight coverage, and safety Justin Reid came through with a perfectly timed play intercepting Wilson, erasing a Steelers scoring opportunity, and giving the ball right back to a hot Chiefs offense.
Steelers Strike Back in the Second Quarter
Pittsburgh, down two scores heading into the second quarter, was able to put together their first scoring drive of the game. 11-plays, 72-yard drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown scramble from Wilson. The extra point trimmed Kansas City’s lead to 13-7 with 10:28 remaining in the quarter. The Chiefs responded with a long drive of their own, but a holding penalty stalled the momentum, forcing them to punt the ball away.
Kansas City’s defense refused to let up, and their next series was highlighted by Joshua Williams’ pass breakup, which prevented a touchdown. Despite giving up chunks of yardage, the unit held firm and forced a punt after a nine-play Steelers drive. With limited time left in the first half, the Chiefs couldn’t capitalize offensively, entering halftime with a 13-7 lead.
The Chiefs’ defense only allowed one sustained drive in the first half. Kansas City’s offense also slowed down in this quarter largely due to penalties and miscues, which limited their offensive production in the second quarter.
Kansas City Chiefs Pull Away In The Third Quarter
Kansas City opened the third quarter with an eight-play, 54-yard scoring drive, ending in a 32-yard Butker field goal. The score extended the lead to 16-7 with 12:21 left in the quarter. Pittsburgh answered on the following possession with a long 12-play, 52-yard drive, but Tershawn Wharton brought this promising drive to a half, forcing the Steelers to settle for a 36-yard field goal. The Chiefs’ lead stood at 16-10 with 5:45 remaining.
The Chiefs’ defense continued its dominance, tallying four sacks on Wilson by the end of the third quarter. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and limit Pittsburgh’s scoring opportunities whenever they got into the red zone was perfectly on-brand for them. The defense consistently stepped up when they needed to most, holding the Steelers to one touchdown through three quarters.
Kansas City’s offense regained its spark early in the fourth. After a methodical 11-play, 77-yard drive which ended in a Kareem Hunt rushing touchdown. Though the Chiefs failed on a two-point conversion, their lead ballooned to 22-10 with 14:56 left.
Dominant Fourth Quarter Secures Kansas City the Victory
Kansas City’s defense made yet another game-changing play on the Steelers’ next possession. Rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah sacked Wilson, and on the next play, cornerback Trent McDuffie forced a fumble, which was recovered by the Chiefs. Starting them at the Steelers’ 34-yard line, and the offense quickly struck again with a 12-yard touchdown reception by Kelce. Butker’s extra point extended the lead to 29-10 with 12:38 remaining.
Pittsburgh attempted to mount a comeback but was repeatedly shut down by the Chiefs defense. The Steelers’ best drive to end the game was a nine-play, 43-yard drive, which ended on a failed fourth-down attempt. At this point, Kansas City controlled the clock, running the ball and playing efficiently. The Steelers’ offense stalled on their last few drives, cementing the Chiefs’ victory.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas Day victory highlighted this team’s progression over what has been a long and regular season. The defending champs appear to be coming into peak form at the right time, led by Mahomes masterful control of this offense. Defensively, Kansas City made life difficult for Wilson, as they have done for every team they’ve faced this year.
With the AFC’s top seed locked up, the Kansas City Chiefs head into Week 18 with the ability to rest their starters and focus on playoff preparation. This dominant performance sends a clear message to the rest of the NFL: no matter the season’s storylines, this team is ready to defend its title and add another to its storied legacy.
