Kansas City Chiefs Secure AFC’s Top Seed with Commanding Win Over Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s a festive time of year, and for the Kansas City Chiefs, the holiday season just got a little brighter. On a crisp Wednesday evening, the Chiefs achieved their final regular-season goal, clinching the AFC’s top playoff seed with a decisive 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With this win, the Chiefs, now boasting a 15-1 record, have secured a first-round playoff bye and the advantage of playing all their postseason games at the formidable Arrowhead Stadium, at least until the grand stage of Super Bowl LIX.
As the Chiefs prepare to wrap up their regular season with a game against the Denver Broncos in Denver next weekend, the mood in Kansas City is one of celebration and anticipation. The Chiefs have been a dominant force this season, and their performance against the Steelers was no exception. Let’s dive into the details and reactions from this pivotal game.
Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
Most surprising performance: One of the standout performances came from Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna. With Chris Jones absent, Danna seized the opportunity to shine, delivering a stellar pass-rushing game. Entering the match with just 1.5 sacks for the season, Danna managed to sack Russell Wilson twice, contributing to the Chiefs’ total of five sacks.
QB breakdown: Patrick Mahomes finally got the deep ball he had been yearning for throughout the season. His 49-yard pass to Justin Watson in the first quarter was a thing of beauty, traveling 40 yards in the air. This was Mahomes’ second-longest such pass of the season, only surpassed by his 54-yard TD to Xavier Worthy in Week 4 against the Chargers.
Prediction for next week: With the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed secured, the Chiefs are likely to rest many of their key players in the upcoming regular-season finale against the Broncos. This includes players nursing injuries, such as Mahomes and Chris Jones, as well as stars like Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. These players will benefit from an extended break, thanks to the Chiefs’ first-round playoff bye. — Adam Teicher
Next game: at Broncos (Jan. 5, TBD)
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
What does this loss mean for the Steelers? The Steelers’ Christmas wasn’t as merry as they might have hoped, as they suffered their third consecutive loss. This late-season slump has been marked by a lack of the complementary football that propelled them to victories earlier in the season. Even the return of key players like George Pickens, Donte Jackson, and DeShon Elliott couldn’t prevent the Steelers from succumbing to offensive errors and defensive lapses.
While the Steelers have already secured a playoff spot, their grip on the division title and a first-round home playoff game is slipping. They no longer control their destiny for the division crown and must rely on at least one loss from Baltimore to have a shot at clinching it.
QB breakdown: Russell Wilson faced a challenging evening, even against a defensive front missing its star player, Chris Jones. Wilson was sacked five times for a loss of 43 yards and committed his second red zone turnover in as many games, throwing an interception in the end zone to Justin Reid. Despite these setbacks, Wilson showed flashes of brilliance, completing 23 of 37 passes for 205 yards and scoring a 1-yard touchdown run.
Describe the game in two words: Revealing loss. The Steelers had a chance to turn things around with the return of key players, but instead, they found themselves further adrift in a blowout loss. This performance raises questions about their ability to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Troubling trend: The Steelers have allowed a league-high 13 first-quarter touchdowns, including two to the Chiefs on Wednesday. The Chiefs capitalized on a short field after a subpar punt by Corliss Waitman and followed it up with a 49-yard pass from Mahomes to Watson, setting up a touchdown just three plays later. These early scores put the Steelers in a 13-0 deficit just 11 minutes into the game.
Promising trend: Jaylen Warren is emerging as a key player, out-snapping and out-performing Najee Harris. The 2022 undrafted free agent is finally healthy and has taken on a more significant role, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and catching five passes for 41 yards. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Bengals (Jan. 5, TBD)
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher,Brooke Pryor
