<p>The <a class='ath_autolink' href='https://theathletic.com/team/steelers/'>Steelers</a> hoped to make <a class='ath_autolink' href='https://theathletic.com/player/nfl/steelers/ben-roethlisberger/'>Ben Roethlisberger</a>'s supposed swan song last another week, but the <a class='ath_autolink' href='https://theathletic.com/team/chiefs/'>Chiefs</a> wanted to remind the AFC they're still the team to beat.</p><p></p><p>After a slow start, the Chiefs did just that in a blistering stretch spanning the second and third quarters. <a class='ath_autolink' href='https://theathletic.com/player/nfl/chiefs/patrick-mahomes/'>Patrick Mahomes</a> led three straight drives of 76, 74 and 80 yards, capping each with a touchdown pass, the last a 48-yarder to <a class='ath_autolink' href='https://theathletic.com/player/nfl/chiefs/travis-kelce/'>Travis Kelce</a> for a 14-point halftime lead. He added two more touchdowns early in the third quarter to make it a 28-point game, and the rout was on.</p><p></p><p>Kansas City, which beat Pittsburgh 36-10 at home in Week 16, <a href="https://theathletic.com/news/patrick-mahomes-throws-5-tds-to-rout-steelers-chiefs-will-host-bills-in-afc-divisional-round/ODSTrtX3ejcp/" target=_self>cruised to a 42-21 victory</a>. The Chiefs will host the <a class='ath_autolink' href='https://theathletic.com/team/bills/'>Bills</a> next Sunday night at 6:30 on CBS. Kansas City is opening <a href="https://sports.co.betmgm.com/en/sports/football-11/betting/usa-9/nfl-35?tab=outrights" target=_blank rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">as a 2.5-point favorite</a>.</p><p></p><p>After the game, Roethlisberger <a href="https://theathletic.com/news/steelers-ben-roethlisberger-acknowledges-expected-retirement-looking-forward-to-next-phase-of-life/2NoueQTDoAa1/" target=_self>acknowledged his impending retirement</a>, saying he's "looking forward" to the next chapter of his life. "It didn't end the way we wanted to, but it's a blessing to play this game," he added.</p><p></p><p>This live blog follows all the news and coverage from <em>The Athletic</em>'s staff writers surrounding Sunday's Super Wild-Card Weekend meeting between the two teams at 8:15 p.m. ET. </p><p></p><p><em>The Athletic</em> also has live blogs for <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/raiders-vs-bengals-live-updates-live-super-wild-card-game-news-start-time-tv-channel-analysis-odds-and-predictions/kQltayvxkLF2/" target=_self>Raiders-Bengals</a>, <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/patriots-vs-bills-live-updates-live-afc-wild-card-game-score-channel-as-buffalo-builds-big-lead/cc0McWcOhnnt/" target=_self>Patriots-Bills</a>, <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/eagles-vs-buccaneers-live-updates-super-wild-card-game-news-start-time-tv-channel-analysis-odds-and-predictions/Mm86zPghFz9p/" target=_self>Eagles-Buccaneers</a>, <a href="https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/49ers-vs-cowboys-live-updates-live-super-wild-card-game-news-start-time-tv-channel-analysis-odds-and-predictions/olPxpOtwZ6xv/" target=_self>49ers-Cowboys</a> and Cardinals-Rams during wild-card weekend.</p><p></p><p>Want a free subscription to <em>The Athletic</em>? <a href="https://promo.nj.betmgm.com/en/promo/geolocator?orh=promo.betmgm.com&wm=7065899&tdpeh=9713378_16232673498519488961&btag=" target=_blank rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sign up for BetMGM</a>, bet $10 and win $200 in free bets plus a free year-long subscription (or renewal).</p><p></p><p><strong>Kansas City 42, Pittsburgh 21, Final</strong></p><p>TV: NBC | <a href="https://theathletic.com/3062027/2022/01/16/2022-nfl-playoffs-expert-predictions-odds-spreads-picks-cowboys-host-49ers-steelers-visit-chiefs-in-wild-card-round/" target=_self>Odds</a> | <a href="https://theathletic.com/nfl/boxscore/?id=17986" target=_self>Box score</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/nfl/schedule/" target=_self>WILD-CARD WEEKEND SCHEDULE</a></p><p></p><p><em>(Photo: Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today)</em></p>