Home-Field Destiny in Chiefs’ Hands

KANSAS CITY, Mo. â€”  That fragile thing the Kansas City Chiefs suddenly have in the palm of their hands is their playoff destiny.

A 30-0 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday combined with Pittsburgh’s 35-24 win over Denver means the Chiefs (11-3) will have home field throughout the AFC playoffs by winning their last two games--at San Diego and home against New Orleans.

“I think we realize that we have to take care of business right now,� center Tim Grunhard said. “Right now, 11-3 is a dream come true.�

The Broncos also are 11-3, but Kansas City has the tiebreaker advantage in the AFC West with only one loss in the division while the Broncos have two.

“What a feeling,� linebacker Anthony Davis said. “We’re 7-0 at home this year and everybody knows when we’ve got 80,000 fans screaming for us, Arrowhead Stadium is the toughest place in the world to play.�

It was for the Raiders (4-10), whose effort at times was pitiable. In defeating their oldest archrivals for the 15th time in 17 meetings, the Chiefs outgained them, 418 yards to 93, and had 27 first downs to the Raiders’ five. The Chiefs rushed for 214 yards, the Raiders 36.

In time of possession, it was Kansas City 41:30, Oakland 18:30.

“They stomped us today. It’s that simple,� Raider safety James Trapp said.

Rich Gannon, 4-1 in relief of injured starting quarterback Elvis Grbac, threw for one touchdown and rushed for another. Grbac could return from his broken collarbone Sunday.

Pete Stoyanovich kicked three field goals, running his string to 16 without a miss.