The Kansas City Chiefs have had more impressive wins this season in terms of margin of victory or offensive flash. But their 32-29 victory over the New Orleans Saints was the best simply for its grit.

The Chiefs' offensive line had just two regular starters in their normal positions because of injuries. Patrick Mahomes was under pressure for most of the game but was able to complete 26 of 47 passes for 254 yards and three touchdown passes.

The Chiefs were 4-of-5 on scoring touchdowns in the red zone, and the defense stifled Drew Brees and the Saints' offense for most of the game, allowing the future Hall of Fame quarterback to complete only 44.1% of his passes (15-of-34).

The Chiefs can clinch the AFC's No. 1 overall seed and a first-round playoff bye next week with a win over the Atlanta Falcons and a loss by the Pittsburgh Steelers in either of their next two games, including Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Chiefs could also clinch the No. 1 seed by winning both of their remaining games, including in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Pivotal play: After leading 14-0 early in the game, the Chiefs trailed 15-14 in the third quarter. From the New Orleans 5, Mahomes was flushed left by pressure, but he threw a perfect pass to Mecole Hardman in the back left corner of the end zone to give the Chiefs a lead they never relinquished.

Key performance: Le'Veon Bell came through big for the Chiefs, rushing 15 times for 62 yards and a 12-yard touchdown that put the Chiefs up 29-15 early in the fourth quarter. He gained a key first down on the Chiefs' final drive that allowed them to run out the clock and caught one pass for 14 yards.

Although he was shaken up on his final play, Bell (if healthy) will be key moving forward, as Clyde Edwards-Helaire was carried off after a possibly serious injury earlier in the fourth quarter. Edwards-Helaire rushed for 79 yards on 14 carries before his injury.