The Chiefs will return to the NFL Playoffs for the third time in the past four seasons, thanks to a win by the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 10-4, Kansas City has an opportunity to not only win the AFC West, but to lock down home-field advantage throughout the postseason in the final week of the season.
Chiefs clinch playoff berth thanks to the Steelers’ Week 16 win
A solid secondary helped push Kansas City back into the postseason.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City can stress a little bit less about its Christmas game against the Denver Broncos after Pittsburgh’s win over the Baltimore Ravens guaranteed the Chiefs a spot in the postseason.
A solid defensive effort and some dynamic offensive playmaking has helped usher in a new era of success for the Chiefs. The Kansas City secondary has held opposing passers to an 85.4 rating this fall while forcing 14 interceptions in its first 13 games. Standouts like Marcus Peters and Eric Berry have made this team’s defense one of the NFL’s toughest matchups.
Alex Smith has played a big part in that rise as well, though he’s had some help from an unexpected source. Rookie fifth-round draft pick Tyreek Hill has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive playmakers, and his speed and shiftiness has drawn comparisons to an early Devin Hester. He’s picking up a tradition left behind by Dante Hall as the team’s touchdown-scoring X factor.
The Chiefs’ rise to the playoffs may have cost the Broncos their shot at keeping a five year postseason streak alive. Denver lost four of its last five games and has fallen out of the playoff race despite a 4-0 start and one of the league’s best defenses. With a game against the Raiders looming, the Broncos’ hopes of extending their season look grim.
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