Chiefs beat Steelers. Three takeaways.

The Kansas City Chiefs made sure their Christmas Day was anything but ordinary, dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 to lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The offense clicked, the defense was solid, and even Andy Reid got in the holiday spirit by dressing as Santa to greet his team. With their playoff spot secured and some much-needed rest ahead, let’s break down three key takeaways from a dominant Christmas win that was a gift to Chiefs Kingdom.

Takeaway #1: Chiefs Lock Up the No. 1 Seed

No more scrambling for playoff positioning—the Chiefs have officially locked up the top spot in the AFC. With the win over Pittsburgh, they clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, ensuring that any playoff run will go through Arrowhead. After surviving a brutal stretch of three games in 11 days, this victory gives them the chance to rest up before things get serious in January. The timing couldn’t be better. Not only do the Chiefs get to catch their breath, but they’re now the clear favorites to make another Super Bowl run. Rest up, Chiefs Kingdom—it’s about to get exciting.

Takeaway #2: Travis Kelce Becomes the Chiefs’ All-Time Touchdown Leader

If the day wasn’t already special enough, Travis Kelce added another milestone to his Hall of Fame résumé. With his touchdown reception against the Steelers, Kelce surpassed Tony Gonzalez to become the Chiefs' all-time leader in touchdown receptions. It was a fitting moment in a game that showcased Kelce’s undeniable connection with Patrick Mahomes. The tight end finished with 8 catches, 84 yards, and a touchdown, leading the team in receiving yards. As the Chiefs head into the playoffs, Kelce continues to be a matchup nightmare and one of the most reliable targets in the league. If you needed any more evidence that he's a future Hall of Famer, this milestone should seal the deal.

Takeaway #3: The Pass Rush Comes Through, Even Without Chris Jones

The Chiefs’ pass rush might not have been as dominant as it was last season, but don’t sleep on the guys up front. With Chris Jones sidelined, Mike Danna and George Karlaftis stepped up in a big way. Danna had two sacks and three tackles for loss, showing that Kansas City’s defense has playmakers beyond just Jones. Karlaftis also made his presence felt, continuing his strong second-year campaign. Together, they consistently pressured Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, who struggled under the heat. The Chiefs’ defense may not be at full strength, but if this kind of production from the pass rush continues into the playoffs, opposing quarterbacks will have plenty to worry about.

Final Thoughts:

This Christmas Day win felt like the perfect gift for Chiefs Kingdom. With the AFC’s No. 1 seed secured, the offense firing on all cylinders, and the defense stepping up when it was needed most, Kansas City looks primed for another deep playoff run. Travis Kelce’s milestone, the emergence of the pass rush, and the ability to close out a game in dominant fashion show that this team is hitting its stride just when it matters most. Now, with a week to rest and regroup, the Chiefs can enjoy the holiday season before shifting their focus to defending their Super Bowl title. It’s a season to be jolly—because come January, it’s playoff time. And the Chiefs? They’re ready.