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Kansas City Chiefs narrow the gap for No. 1 seed as Steelers finally lose

By Leigh Oleszczak

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 06: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs backflips over the goal line on a play that was called back due to a holding penalty during the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 06: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs backflips over the goal line on a play that was called back due to a holding penalty during the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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The Kansas City Chiefs now have the same record as No. 1 seeded Pittsburgh.

Going 16-0 in the NFL is difficult and the Pittsburgh Steelers proved that, losing to the Washington Football Team (shoutout Alex Smith!) on Monday evening. The loss paired with the Kansas City Chiefs‘ win over the Broncos means both the Chiefs and Steelers have an 11-1 record.

Pittsburgh, unfortunately, has the tiebreaker, as their one loss came to an NFC team while the Chiefs’ was to a conference foe. This means that if the two teams finish the season with the same record, Pittsburgh gets the advantage. Hopefully, the Steelers have another loss in them and the Chiefs can win out or at the very least, can remain ahead of Pittsburgh.

Anyway, let’s take a look at the ever-changing AFC playoffs after Week 14:

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1) – BYE
  2. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)*
  3. Buffalo Bills (9-3)
  4. Tennessee Titans (8-4)
  5. Cleveland Browns (9-3)
  6. Miami Dolphins (8-4)
  7. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)

In the hunt: Las Vegas Raiders (7-5), Baltimore Ravens (7-5), New England Patriots (6-6)

*indicates clinched playoff berth

The Chiefs had a really good week as far as playoff implications go. Not only did they narrow the gap between them and the Steelers for the No. 1 seed, but they also clinched a playoff berth with their win over Denver. This is now the sixth straight season in which the Chiefs made the playoffs and their seventh appearance in eight years.

If the season ended right now, the Chiefs would host the Colts, Buffalo would welcome in the Dolphins, and the Titans would play Cleveland. All three of those matchups are pretty compelling honestly.

Now, let’s look at how the NFC playoffs sit as of now.

  1. New Orleans Saints (10-2)* – BYE
  2. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
  3. Los Angeles Rams (8-4)
  4. New York Giants (5-7)
  5. Seattle Seahawks (8-4)
  6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)
  7. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

In the hunt: Arizona Cardinals (6-6)

The Saints continue to lead the NFC despite not having Drew Brees for their past three games, which is truly amazing. They clinched a playoff berth with their win over Atlanta on Sunday and will play Kansas City in two weeks in what’s sure to be a wild game.

Remember how I said the NFC playoffs likely wouldn’t budge as far as the teams included went? Well, the Cardinals messed that up, as they’re now 0-3 ever since the “Hail Murray”, which feels like ages ago. The Vikings snuck into the postseason as a result of that, which is the last thing that Saints fans want to hear.

If the season ended today, the Packers would host the Vikings in an NFC North showdown at Lambeau, the Rams would battle the Bucs in LA, and the Seahawks would try to seek revenge against the Giants, who shocked everyone with that victory over the weekend. These are intriguing games for sure.

Getting back to the Kansas City Chiefs, however, it’s crazy that an 11-1 record isn’t good enough to get them the No. 1 seed, but with four games remaining for every team, this is the chance for them to blow past Pittsburgh.

Next. Third Quarter Rookie Report Card. dark

Do you think the Chiefs will get that coveted No. 1 seed?

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