Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans: Arrowhead Addict staff predictions

The Kansas City Chiefs visit the Houston Texans in an attempt to stay undefeated. Here are our AA staff predictions heading into the game.

Through the first quarter of the NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated. Now they turn the corner to the second leg of the long journey in the hopes of going 5-0 overall. To do so they’ll have to defeat the upstart Houston Texans at home, who have found new offensive life since rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson took over the starting role.

In fact, it’s Watson himself who has some of our own staff writers here at Arrowhead Addict convinced that the Chiefs are bound to fall on Sunday. The Chiefs have already toppled several teams better than the Texans this year, but the combination of injuries, karma and the belief that Watson is a sizzling hot sensation right now has convinced a couple of our writers that the Chiefs win streak will end. For most, however, K.C. is expected to roll.

Here’s a rundown of our staff predictions and final scores.

Chiefs 28, Texans 17
Kareem Hunt will spearhead the offense again, with one score and 120 yards rushing. Alex Smith will throw 2 touchdowns, along with his first interception. The special teams, led by Akeem Hunt, will get a return TD on a kickoff. [Lucas Hampton]

Texans 27, Chiefs 24
The Chiefs have been playing with fire the past two weeks, having issues putting an underachieving Chargers team away and struggling with the Redskins for the duration of that contest. After a physical Monday night game that saw guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif injured and likely unavailable for Week 5, it would not be a surprise to see the Chiefs struggle on short rest, especially against a strong defensive front in Houston. Houston is playing with confidence behind their rookie quarterback and will be at home, able to avoid a tough road crowd. A tight game will come down to a field goal at the end with Houston taking the victory in this matchup. [John McCarty]

Chiefs 34, Texans 20
This game looks to be close on paper. In reality though, it will be far from it. The Chiefs are rolling after a huge momentum building win on Monday night. Deshaun Watson has looked good so far, but he has not faced a defense as stout as Kansas City’s. The pass rush will get to Watson, causing some errant throws. Marcus Peters will take advantage and have a HUGE night. With the defense shutting down Watson, Alex Smith and company will have great field position all night, allowing the offense to hang some points on a sturdy Texans defense. This game will never be in question as the Chiefs move to 5-0. [Austin Owen]

Texans 20, Chiefs 17
The Chiefs have struggled offensively against the Texans during the last couple of seasons and injuries along the interior offensive line are only going to make matters worse. In 2015 the Chiefs defeated the Texans on two separate occasions, including the playoffs, but had to rely on historically bad opposing QB play from Brian Hoyer to get those wins.

The Chiefs will not have that luxury this weekend, as rookie Deshaun Watson has been impressive the last two weeks. This Chiefs defense will be the best unit he has faced and will keep the game close, but the Texans will be able to find just enough offense to win. Terrance Mitchell will have his hands full with the speedy Will Fuller and Watson will have success moving the ball with his legs, much like Kirk Cousins was able to do late in the game last week. [Prather Silverthorn]

Chiefs 23, Texans 17
While the Texans are another elite front seven against our backup offensive line, Watson has made turnovers each start against less secondaries and Chiefs will be able to capitalize on them. Not to mention, Watson hasn’t faced a true defense yet. I think it will be a defensive game with a few big plays on offense for both sides but Chiefs come out on top. [Travis Steffen]

Chiefs 24, Texans 17
Many analysts were predicting the Chiefs would take Deshaun Watson in the draft. Instead they ended up with Patrick Mahomes II at the 10th overall pick ahead of Watson taken at 12. Now the Chiefs will get to see up close what they missed out on. However, I don’t think the Chiefs will be too dissapointed. Watson, as magificent as he has been at times, is still raw and a bit underdeveloped in his deep passing game and decision-making. Bob Sutton’s defense is going to force Watson into some rookie mistakes that put the Chiefs over the top and edge out the Texans 24-17. [David Thomas]