The NFL playoff picture is getting much clearer as Week 17 begins — and that includes the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The Chiefs had already clinched the AFC West division title, and they had a chance to lock up the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC in Week 17. All they needed was a win over the Steelers. Kansas City was only a 3.5-point favorite in the game, but ended up winning 29-10.
Let’s run through how the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.
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Chiefs playoff picture
Kansas City entered the week 14-1. The Chiefs just needed a win to secure the AFC’s top seed that brings with it a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Kansas City got the scoring started first. Xavier Worthy had a seven-yard touchdown from Patrick Mahomes and was flagged for his celebration after. Mahomes then found Justin Watson for an 11-yard score later in the first quarter.
Pittsburgh got on the board in the second quarter. After a long drive, quarterback Russell Wilson made up for an earlier end-zone interception by punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown. The game went into halftime 13-7 in Kansas City’s favor.
The teams exchanged field goals in a slow third quarter. It was all Chiefs down the stretch as they secured the eventual 19-point win. Running back Kareem Hunt had a two-yard rush, and Travis Kelce game down with a 12-yard touchdown catch. Kelce’s score made him the team’s franchise leader in touchdown receptions.
Kansas City will hit the road in Week 18 to take on Denver. The Broncos are still in playoff contention, but they now likely have an easier matchup as the Chiefs should be resting some key players.
POWER RANKINGS: Lions, Vikings rise; Eagles, Steelers take a fall
Chiefs remaining schedule
|
Week |
Opponent |
Opponent Record |
|
18 |
at Broncos |
9-6 |
Kansas City is a 2.5-point favorite against the Steelers, and ESPN gives the Chiefs a 55.6% chance to win. Against the Broncos, ESPN had Kansas City with a 61.7% chance to win against the Broncos, but that will change now that they’re likely to rest their starters. The toughest game was obviously the Steelers this week, as Pittsburgh hadn’t lost a game at home this season since losing to the Cowboys in early October.
