## Chiefs Clinch AFC’s No. 1 Seed with Christmas Win over Steelers
**Kansas City, Mo. – December 25, 2023** – The Kansas City Chiefs secured the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a dominant 34-20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
### Dominant Chiefs Defense Stifles Steelers
The Chiefs’ defense, led by All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu and linebacker Nick Bolton, stifled the Steelers’ offense throughout the game. Mathieu intercepted a pass from Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first quarter, setting up a Chiefs touchdown. Bolton recorded a game-high 10 tackles and a sack, disrupting Pittsburgh’s rhythm all afternoon.
“Our defense played lights out today,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “They set the tone early and kept the Steelers out of sync all game.”
### Mahomes, Kelce Connect for Touchdowns
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, both to tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter and a 25-yarder in the fourth, giving him 14 touchdown receptions on the season.
“It’s a special connection with Pat,” said Kelce. “He knows where I’m going to be, and I know where he’s going to put the ball. It’s a beautiful thing.”
### Steelers Struggle on Offense
The Steelers’ offense, which had been averaging over 30 points per game coming into the contest, struggled to find its footing against the Chiefs’ defense. Pickett completed just 15 of 29 passes for 185 yards and two interceptions. Running back Najee Harris was held to 54 rushing yards on 17 carries.
“We didn’t execute today,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We didn’t make plays when we needed to, and we turned the ball over too many times.”
### AFC Playoff Picture
With the victory, the Chiefs improve to 13-3 and clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed. They will have a bye in the Wild Card round and host the lowest-seeded Divisional Round winner at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Steelers, who fall to 8-8, are eliminated from playoff contention.
### Conclusion
The Chiefs’ victory over the Steelers marks a significant milestone in their season. They have secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and are now the favorites to reach the Super Bowl. The Steelers, on the other hand, have missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season and face an uncertain future.