KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes was confident he could manage his sprained ankle during the game. However, the primary worry for the Chiefs quarterback was how he would handle stopping with all his momentum and pressure concentrated on the injured ankle.
The strategy against Houston turned out to be straightforward: Mahomes simply kept moving. The two-time MVP sprinted 15 yards into the end zone to conclude Kansas City’s opening drive, displaying remarkable agility despite his injury. Mahomes finished the game with 260 yards passing and one touchdown, showing no signs of discomfort as he guided the Chiefs to a 27-19 win, putting them close to securing the No. 1 seed for the AFC playoffs.
With a record of 14-1, the Chiefs can clinch a bye in the postseason and home-field advantage if Buffalo either loses or ties New England on Sunday. If the Bills win, Kansas City must secure a victory against Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, marking their third game within an 11-day timeframe. Mahomes emphasized the importance of participating in games despite injuries, stating, “I hold myself accountable to be out there with my guys when they are playing through pain and discomfort.”
Xavier Worthy recorded seven receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown, Kareem Hunt added 55 rushing yards and another score, and Marquise Brown made five catches for 45 yards as he returned from a shoulder injury. Head coach Andy Reid described this performance as the team’s most complete of the season.
Regarding Mahomes’ determination, Reid commented, “He sets the bar high for us; he’s incredibly tough. You get used to it, but not everyone can bounce back from injuries like he does.” Meanwhile, Houston’s C.J. Stroud completed 244 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions. One of his touchdown completions came as a blow to the team; Tank Dell, who had six catches for 98 yards, suffered a serious knee injury on the play and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he was expected to remain overnight.
Ryans expressed deep concern for Dell, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now. He is essential to our team, and it is painful to see him go down like that. He was excelling in the game.” Stroud, visibly upset, needed comfort from his teammates after the injury.
Initially, there was uncertainty about Mahomes playing after he sustained a high ankle sprain last week against Cleveland. However, he was cleared from the injury report by Friday and took to the field, ready to lead the Chiefs to a touchdown on their first drive. His rushing touchdown marked just the beginning of a competitive first half.
Houston responded with a 33-yard field goal before launching a 13-play, 82-yard drive that concluded with Stroud’s touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz. Yet, the Chiefs quickly answered back with a touchdown run from Hunt and later added a field goal after Stroud’s second interception to conclude the first half leading 17-10.
Dell’s injury occurred during Houston’s opening drive in the third quarter. Following a beautiful catch in the end zone, he collided with teammate Jared Wayne when landing. He instantly clutched his left knee, prompting players from both teams to gather around as he was taken off the field.
Following this incident, Houston’s kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the extra point, leading to a shift in momentum. Kansas City capitalized on this by driving down the field, largely thanks to Worthy’s contributions, completing the drive with an 8-yard touchdown reception. This marked a season-high in receiving yards for Worthy and brought his total touchdowns this year to eight.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trading field goals, leading to a final scenario where Houston trailed 27-19 with just over five minutes remaining. However, the Chiefs managed to hold off any comeback attempts by forcing a three-and-out, with Josh Williams contributing a pivotal sack. Kansas City was able to run down the clock to secure their victory.
Ryans acknowledged the competitive environment, stating, “This game was a solid challenge against a strong playoff contender. It felt like a playoff atmosphere today, and I think our players showed great effort, but we need to find ways to finish.”
Pop sensation Taylor Swift made a notable appearance at the Chiefs’ regular-season finale, spending time in Kansas City with her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after concluding her Eras Tour.
In terms of injuries, Houston saw OG Shaq Mason exit early with a knee issue, alongside FS Jimmie Ward who suffered a foot injury later in the first half. Kansas City faced losses as well, with LB Jack Cochrane sustaining an ankle fracture, RT Jawaan Taylor leaving with a knee problem, and DT Chris Jones dealing with a minor calf strain.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs are set to face Pittsburgh while Houston is prepared to host Baltimore for the NFL’s Christmas Day doubleheader.