The Steelers are early 4 1/2 point underdogs against the New England Patriots in next Sunday's AFC title game, after a dramatic win in Kansas City.

In a year that has seen the Steelers often rely on a high-powered offense, it was defensive plays that helped the team eke out a close, hard-fought victory. The defense gave up a touchdown on the Chiefs' opening drive of the night, but then proved nearly unbeatable for the rest of the game.

In a late game Sunday night the Steelers shut down the Kansas City Chiefs offense, which finished with 227 total yards and just 61 on the ground.

That was nearly tripled by Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who ran for a franchise postseason record 170 yards.

But it wasn't Bell or start wideout Antonio Brown, who contributed 108 receiving yards, that provided the decisive scoring plays. That distinction goes to kicker Chris Boswell, who went for an NFL record 6-for-6 on field goal tries.

The Steelers prevailed 18-16 in Kansas City, to earn a place in Sunday's AFC Championship game.