Head coach Andy Reid says the Kansas City Chiefs will enjoy a much-needed break after clinching the AFC's No.1 seed with their 31-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Reid secured the top seed for the sixth time as an NFL head coach, with the Chiefs beginning their postseason campaign with a divisional round game in a fortnight at Arrowhead Stadium.
There is uncertainty after that should the Chiefs progress to the AFC Championship Game which may be played at a neutral venue following the NFL's decision on the cancelled Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game.
For now, Reid was delighted for his side to earn a break for the first time since their Week 8 bye as they aim for a second Super Bowl title in four seasons.
"I think it's a good thing," Reid told reporters about earning the top seed. "You've still got to take care of business. Our guys understand that.
"We'll give them a few days off next week and get them back in towards the end of the week and get some practice in there and start the regular week after that.
"Just take a step back and get yourself where you feel stronger and healthier, mentally and physically it's a good thing."
Reid was delighted with a strong display against the Raiders in a game where they were always in control, as Patrick Mahomes set the tone on the second play from scrimmage, a 67-yard completion to Justin Watson.
"We needed that," Reid said. "We really hadn't put it all together. I thought this was a good time - if I had to pick a time to do it, this was a good time to do it.
"We strive for it every week, but it seemed like it all kind of came together today, which is a plus."
MVP candidate Mahomes ended his regular-season with 5,614 total yards when he was removed in the final minutes, with 41 passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns.
"It's important," Mahomes said about earning the top seed. "Getting that bye, it's like winning a playoff game.
"Now we need to focus on watching tomorrow and this next week and seeing who we play and come up with our best football."