Texans Set to Face Chiefs in Divisional Round
The Houston Texans (11-7) are gearing up to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST, broadcast on ESPN and ABC. The Chiefs are favored by 8 points according to BetMGM NFL odds. In terms of performance against the spread this season, the Texans stand at 8-8-2, while the Chiefs are slightly below that at 8-9. Historically, the Chiefs hold a 10-5 advantage over the Texans in their series, with their last encounter resulting in a 27-19 victory for Kansas City on December 21 in Missouri.
Last week saw the Texans pull off an impressive 32-12 win against the Los Angeles Chargers, whereas the Chiefs had a bye week. Placing their offense in perspective, the Texans rank 18th overall with their rushing at 14th and passing at 20th, and their scoring slots 16th. Comparatively, the Texans’ defense is performing admirably, sitting at third overall, 11th in rushing, sixth in passing, and 11th in scoring.
On the other hand, the Chiefs’ offense ranks 16th overall, with strong rushing abilities placing them fifth and passing more modestly at 13th, while scoring sits at 15th. Their defense shows a bit more strength at eighth overall, 22nd against the run, 18th against the pass, and a remarkable fourth in scoring. Regarding turnover stats, the Texans boast a positive differential of plus-10, while the Chiefs come in at plus-6.
One player to keep an eye on from the Texans is cornerback Derek Stingley. He made history last week by being the first Texans’ corner to earn first-team All-Pro status, joining J.J. Watt as the only defensive players from the franchise to achieve this honor. Stingley’s standout performance included two interceptions, five pass deflections, and a forced fumble against the Chargers, helping the team secure four interceptions against Justin Herbert.
From the Chiefs’ side, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the focal point of their strategy. His playoff record stands at 15-3, showcasing his prowess, especially in the divisional round, where he remains undefeated at 6-0. Mahomes impressed in their prior match-up against the Texans, amassing 260 passing yards and a touchdown, along with a rushing score, all performed while managing an injury.
A critical matchup to watch will be between Houston’s defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter against the Kansas City offensive tackles. Anderson, with 12.5 sacks, was among the NFL’s elite, and Hunter was right behind him with 12. The Chiefs have struggled with their left tackle position and could shift personnel around, which may prove vital in this upcoming contest.
In terms of injuries, the Texans are dealing with several players who missed practice, including linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), guard Shaq Mason (knee), offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (ankle), and wide receiver Robert Woods (hip). Defensive end Denico Autry (knee) and tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) are reported as limited participants. Conversely, the Chiefs are relatively healthy after resting key players last week, potentially allowing them to welcome back defensive back Jaylen Watson.
The Chiefs have won all four of their recent meetings with Houston, including a memorable 51-31 playoff victory in the 2019 season. Since then, the Texans have struggled against Kansas City, with their last victory being a tight 31-24 match back in October 2019. The Texans are hoping to break this streak as they advance to the divisional round for the second consecutive year.
This match-up is crucial for the Texans, who have never reached the AFC Championship game. Coach DeMeco Ryans has made notable strides in his second season, achieving playoff success early in his tenure. Quarterback C.J. Stroud also stands out, recently becoming the first Texans player to win playoff games in consecutive seasons. With a resurgent roster and recent performance, expectations are high for Houston as they take on the mighty Chiefs.
