Chiefs whip Colts, advance to AFC title game

(AP) – The Kansas City Chiefs have advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in a quarter-century.

Patrick Mahomes (mah-HOHMZ’), Damien Williams and the Chiefs’ much-maligned defense led a 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional playoffs. The victory will allow them to host either the New England Patriots or San Diego Chargers next Sunday for a spot in the Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Mahomes ran for a one-yard touchdown and was 27 of 41 passing for 278 yards and no interceptions. He engineered TD drives of 90 and 70 yards that put Kansas City ahead 14-0 about 8 1/2 minutes into the game.

Williams ran through snow and muck for 129 yards, including a 10-yard TD that put the Chiefs ahead to stay 4:55 into the game.

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was held to 203 yards passing, while Marlon Mack was a non-factor on the ground. Mack had 46 yards rushing before leaving late in the fourth quarter with a hip injury.

The Chiefs’ defense surrendered just 263 total yards and didn’t allow any points until Luck found T.Y. Hilton for a 29-yard TD with 5:31 remaining. The Colts’ other touchdown came on a blocked punt in the end zone.