The road has gotten considerably harder, just as the Steelers knew it would when the schedule was released in May. Like Phil Connors in “Groundhog Day,” however, knowing what's coming and being able to navigate it are two different things.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rolled over Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, winning 29–10 on the road to improve to 15–1 on the season. The two-time defending champs clinched the top seed in the AFC and will enjoy a bye week, which could be an extra special time for Mahomes and his family.