Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has vowed to use his side's playoff defeat at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts as a driving force to reach the post-season again.

The Chiefs led the Colts by 28 points at one point in the second half before Andrew Luck helped Indianapolis launch an incredible comeback to eventually win the match 45-44.

However, despite the nature of the defeat, Smith was positive after the match and believes that they can build on their performance next season.

"You know, I certainly think you use this as drive. I think it's good to be playing in these types of games. I think these types of games are contagious," Smith told The AP.

"You go back to playing in just regular-season games, you want that itch. You have that urge to try to get to these types of games. I certainly think that foundation has been laid for next year."

The Chiefs finished the regular season with an 11-5 record this year, having fallen to 2-14 in the last campaign.