Mahomes: Clinching AFC's No. 1 seed 'like winning a playoff game'

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was pleased after the Kansas City Chiefs clinched the top seed in the AFC playoff field with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

"It's just going to be nice getting guys healthy," Mahomes said postgame, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "I think this was the earliest (regular-season) bye I've ever had just in general. To kind of have this grind of whatever it is - I think we had our bye Week 6 - so it's like almost 10 weeks of just football and grinding and then this short schedule at the very end of the year."

Mahomes added: "That No. 1 seed is important. It's like winning a playoff game, and so I was happy to get that done."

The Chiefs (15-1) earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in their bid to achieve a three-peat as Super Bowl champions.

A number of Chiefs starters entered this week's matchup nursing injuries, including Mahomes, who sustained a high ankle sprain in a game against the Cleveland Browns nearly two weeks ago. Defensive tackle Chris Jones sat out the Christmas contest due to a calf injury.

Kansas City wrapped up a gruelling stretch that saw the club play three games in 11 days. The Chiefs won each contest, extending their win streak to six games as they turn to the final week of the regular season.

"It showed the toughness of the team, and I think we got better as, obviously, the games went on," Mahomes said.

The star quarterback says it'll be up to head coach Andy Reid regarding who will play in Kansas City's regular-season finale next week against the Denver Broncos.

Wednesday's outing was another vintage performance for Mahomes, who passed for 320 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, while posting a 127.1 quarterback rating.