The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a place in the NFL playoffs as they overcame the Kansas City Chiefs with a 20-12 victory at Heinz Field on Sunday.

Pittsburgh were the first side to score points when Shaun Suisham waited patiently after a cagey opening to send home a field goal from 23 yards out.

Kansas duly responded, though it took a little time as Cairo Santos shone with his own kick to level the scores at 3-3, converting from 35 yards with just over two minutes to go in the first period.

In a first half that appeared to be dominated by place-kickers, Santos was clinical again as he put the Chiefs into a three-point lead by notching home from 25 yards out.

The Steelers came back fighting late in the second quarter when Bell trotted home from just one yard out to complete a timely touchdown and push his team into a 10-6 advantage.

Pittsburgh continued some good resurgent work in third period and they moved 17-6 in front with under a minute to play thanks to Antonio Brown, who latched on to a short three-yard effort from Ben Roethlisberger.

The Chiefs appeared a tad beleaguered in the offensive department and they had to rely on Santos again, as he brought things to 17-9 with a well-taken field goal in the fourth.

Andy Reid's side failed to muster much in the final few minutes as Suisham kicked the Steelers towards victory, but Santos did manage to leave the field with his head held high having added a further three points with a kick from 23 yards.