Patrick Mahomes/ Travis Kelce record/ Kansas City Chiefs playoffs/ Steelers vs. Chiefs highlights/ AFC top seed clinched/ PITTSBURGH/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns as the Kansas City Chiefs secured the AFC’s top seed with a commanding 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mahomes spread the ball across eight receivers, and Travis Kelce broke the franchise record for career touchdown receptions. Kansas City’s defense stepped up despite key injuries, ensuring the road to the Super Bowl runs through Arrowhead Stadium.
Chiefs Lock Up AFC’s No. 1 Seed: Quick Looks
- Game Highlights:
- Patrick Mahomes: 320 yards, 3 touchdowns.
- Travis Kelce: Franchise-record 77th touchdown reception.
- Chiefs defense: Dominant despite missing Chris Jones.
- Steelers Struggles: Pittsburgh drops its third straight game, jeopardizing AFC North hopes.
- Injury Updates:
- Chiefs: RB Isiah Pacheco left with a rib injury.
- Steelers: DT Cam Heyward briefly exited but returned.
- Next Games:
- Chiefs: Face the Broncos in Denver to close the season.
- Steelers: Host Cincinnati in the regular-season finale.
Mahomes Shines, Chiefs Clinch AFC’s Top Seed with 29-10 Win Over Steelers
Deep Look
Kansas City’s Dominance Continues
The Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) secured home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a decisive 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Andy Reid, dressed as Santa Claus in the postgame locker room, celebrated the team’s fourth top seed in seven seasons.
Patrick Mahomes led the charge, completing 29 of 41 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns. “Getting the No. 1 seed is like winning a playoff game,” Mahomes said. His steady play set the tone as Kansas City controlled the game from the outset.
Kelce’s Historic Day
Tight end Travis Kelce added another chapter to his storied career. With an acrobatic 12-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter, Kelce broke Tony Gonzalez’s franchise record with his 77th career touchdown reception. He celebrated by dunking the ball over the goalpost in homage to Gonzalez, earning a penalty but electrifying the crowd.
Balanced Offense and Stifling Defense
Mahomes spread his 29 completions among eight receivers, including a career-high eight catches for Xavier Worthy and a strong contribution from Hollywood Brown, who recently returned from injury.
Kansas City’s defense held firm without star defensive end Chris Jones, sidelined with a calf injury. The unit stymied Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson, forcing an interception in the end zone and holding the Steelers to 10 points.
“We’re playing our best football offensively and defensively,” Mahomes said.
Steelers’ Struggles Deepen
The Steelers (10-6) have now dropped three straight games, losing control of the AFC North. Pittsburgh has been outscored by at least 14 points in each of the losses, raising concerns about their ability to compete against top-tier teams.
“That sucked, to be blunt,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin admitted. Quarterback Russell Wilson echoed the sentiment: “We need to finish strong and find the right footing heading into the postseason.”
Looking Ahead
With the top seed secured, Kansas City can focus on resting key players in the regular-season finale against Denver. Meanwhile, the Steelers face a must-win game against Cincinnati to maintain their playoff hopes.
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