6 winners and a pair of losers from the Chiefs’ win over the Steelers

In contrast to a 12 months in the past, there was no Christmas Day letdown for this model of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. On Wednesday afternoon, they cruised to a 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving them a 15-1 document and the AFC’s No. 1 postseason seed.

Even with out their greatest participant — Chris Jones, who missed the sport with a calf damage — the Kansas Metropolis protection carried the day by forcing two turnovers and hitting Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson all afternoon. The offense bought off to an awesome begin and didn’t let up, punishing the Steelers by means of the air.

The Chiefs gained the important thing matchups on the way in which to the season’s most comfy win. Now they’ll have fun and relaxation — identical to the remainder of us are doing over the vacations!

Listed below are a couple of Kansas Metropolis gamers who stood out on a really Merry Chiefsmas day.

Winners

Photograph by Joe Sargent/Getty Pictures

Tight finish Travis Kelce: He will not be as quick as he as soon as was, however he nonetheless will get open at a outstanding price. The celebrity tight finish caught eight of 11 targets for 84 yards, displaying slightly little bit of all the things we’re used to seeing from him. He transformed powerful third-down catches, picked up yards after the catch and located a option to get large open in the long run zone. It was a improbable Christmas for Kelce, who grew to become probably the most prolific receiving touchdown-scorer in Kansas Metropolis Chiefs historical past, caught his 1,000th profession reception and performed a giant half in as soon as once more securing the No. 1 seed.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: He began sizzling, with first-quarter touchdowns to Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson. If any MVP voters don’t have the league’s greatest participant on their poll, they need to be reminded to concentrate to what Mahomes does when it issues most: 300 yards, three touchdowns, no picks and no sacks. It was a really clear day for Mahomes. Now he’ll get a few well-deserved weeks off.

Vast receiver Xavier Worthy: What else do we have to see from No. 1? He’s working nice routes, scoring touchdowns (his ninth of the season on Wednesday) and persevering with to earn Mahomes’ belief. In opposition to Pittsburgh, Worthy had 10 touches for 89 yards and a rating. He’s rising as Kansas Metropolis’s No. 1 wideout — complemented (however not overshadowed) by Hollywood Brown and DeAndre Hopkins.

Vast receiver Justin Watson: He’s buried a bit on the depth chart, however Watson delivered two large performs on one drive. First was his 49-yard catch — the sport’s longest play by both staff. Moments later, he snatched a stupendous Mahomes go in the long run zone. Justin Watson could also be only a function participant — however his function issues.

The Chiefs’ line of defense: What a efficiency by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s entrance — with out Chris Jones. Mike Danna — recent off Week 16’s losers’ record — led all defenders with two sacks, three tackles-for-loss and two quarterback hits. Felix Anudike-Uzomah had a stable bend round Wilson’s blind aspect for a sack. George Karlaftis knocked down a go, bought a sack and a few different quarterback hits of his personal. Tershawn Wharton took Wilson down as soon as and hit him a few different instances. The Steelers had extra success dashing the ball than we’re used to seeing, however it’s important to tip your cap to all of those guys who made their life troublesome — and held one other playoff staff to only 10 factors.

Punter Matt Araiza: On a superb day for the offense, you wouldn’t assume we’d acknowledge the punter. However Araiza was crushing it on Christmas. Whereas his longest kick skipped into the top zone after touring 72 yards, he had two others that had been simply downed contained in the 20. On Wednesday, he ended up with a internet common of 53.8 yards.

Losers

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Pictures

Returner Nikko Remigio: I hate to name Remigio a loser after his impactful returns (together with going 25 yards on the primary punt of the sport) helped set the desk for the Chiefs offense. However Remigio does owe his Christmas bonus to Deon Bush, who dove onto his fumble deep in Steelers’ territory.

Kicker Harrison Butker: Butker missed an additional level (albeit one which was longer due to penalty) after lacking a brief kick in Week 16. He’s most likely nonetheless knocking off some rust, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one thing to observe as Kansas Metropolis heads to the postseason. The staff most likely gained’t have the ability to afford to overlook very many kicks.

Word: Making use of the labels “winners” and “losers just isn’t supposed to be a judgment on the expertise or character of any of those gamers. It’s only a easy option to grade their efficiency in a single sport. No disrespect is meant.