THE Pittsburgh Steelers clinched the American Football Conference (AFC) North with a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, while the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated the Denver Broncos from National Football League (NFL) playoff contention.

    The Steelers came from behind to trump the Ravens 31-27 on Christmas day and deny Baltimore a spot in the postseason.

    Kansas City then knocked off the Broncos 33-10 to move a step closer to securing a first-round bye in the playoffs.

    Defeats for Baltimore and Denver aided the Miami Dolphins, who did not play Sunday but received a nice Christmas present. The Dolphins (10-5) needed the Ravens and Broncos to lose and that is exactly what happened.

    With the Broncos and Carolina Panthers (6-9) eliminated from the playoff picture, it is the first time since 2003 that both teams from the previous Super Bowl will miss the postseason. Neither the Oakland Raiders nor Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to reach the postseason a year after playing in Super Bowl XXXVII.

    Chiefs rookie Tyreek Hill sparked a huge first quarter with a 70-yard touchdown run to give Kansas City and an early 14-0 lead. The Steelers were able to clinch the AFC North and the third seed thanks to Antonio Brown reaching the ball over the goal line with 9 seconds remaining.

    Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell had 20 carries for 122 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards and two total touchdowns. He scored two of Pittsburgh’s three fourth-quarter touchdowns and gave the Steelers a 24-20 lead midway through the fourth quarter with a tough seven-yard reception. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger kept the play alive with his feet before finding Bell underneath as he then powered into the end zone.(SD-Agencies)