KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Continuing my own personal holiday tradition that goes back several years, I've messed up a playoff scenario regarding the Kansas City Chiefs. In this case, it's what eliminates the Chiefs from playoff consideration if they lose on Sunday to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If the Chiefs lose and the Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans, the Chiefs will not make the playoffs. I mistakenly included the Cincinnati Bengals in that scenario, claiming the 9-4-1 Bengals would also have to win their game on Monday night against the Denver Broncos.

If the Chiefs lose to Pittsburgh, they can't catch the Bengals, who at worst would finish the season at 9-6-1. The best the Chiefs could do if they lose to the Steelers is 9-7.

The Chiefs will get into the playoffs by winning both of their remaining games, including the final regular-season game against San Diego on Dec. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium.