Chiefs vs. Texans predictions: Patrick Mahomes and company hope to rebound

After a disappointing loss, our latest writer predictions believe the Kansas City Chiefs will bounce back against the Houston Texans.

Two weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs narrowly escaped Detroit with a win against the Lions. Last week, the Chiefs lost in disappointing fashion to the Indianapolis Colts. After two weeks of shaky performances, the Chiefs will take on a Houston Texans team that just beat the Atlanta Falcons by a final score of 53-32.

Despite the Chiefs’ recent struggles and a dangerous Houston team, our writers are still confident the Chiefs will walk away with a win. The Chiefs will once again not be at full strength, as offensive tackle Eric Fisher, offensive guard Andrew Wylie, wide receiver Sammy Watkins, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and linebacker Dorian O’Daniel all have not practiced this week. Not to mention the fact that they placed defensive tackle Xavier Williams on injured reserve earlier this week.

The Chiefs are already hurting at offensive line, and losing Andrew Wylie will only make things worse. To get some help at the position, the Chiefs signed veteran offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski. To get help on the defensive line, they signed veteran defensive tackle Terrell McClain. These additions will help a hurting team, but the Chiefs are still banged up more than they’d like to be.

On a positive note, Chiefs star wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been a limited participant in practice all week and could possibly see a return to the field. Getting Hill back would be a huge addition to the team. However, if Hill does not return this week, with Watkins trending towards being out, the Chiefs’ wide receiving core would consist of Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman, and Byron Pringle.

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is coming off a spectacular game where he completed 28/33 passes for 426 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’ll be looking to take advantage of the Chiefs defense this week. Meanwhile, running back Carlos Hyde will be entering Arrowhead Stadium with a chip on his shoulder after the Chiefs traded him to the Texans earlier this season. The Texans are going to be coming into this game smelling blood, but the Chiefs know they need to bounce back.

Even with the Chiefs’ injury problems and struggles of late, our writers have unanimously picked them to win. Here are the full predictions:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 31, Texans 21

This is a game that should be a shootout, which is exactly why I think it will be boring for the most part. I think both defenses start off strong, but the Chiefs jump to a lead in the second quarter and hold onto it for the rest of the game. I’m predicting Travis Kelce to have a big day against the Texans.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 28, Texans 20

I think this remains close until the second half when the Chiefs pull away. There’s every reason to respect this Texans team due to a lot of talent at key positions on both sides of the ball. However, there’s no reason to abandon your championship hopes for the Chiefs and that means their ability to win against a talented team like this.

Jalon Dodson: Chiefs 35, Texans 31

Is this one of your typical “Reid loses a game then bounces back the next week” games? Or is this a “we are so injury-ridden that it’ll be almost impossible to win on Sunday” games? Depends on the availability of Tyreek Hill. If he plays, we win. If he doesn’t, I’m not as confident.

Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 34, Texans 31

I considered picking the Texans based off K.C.s recent offensive struggles and the Texans putting up over 50 points last week. Ultimately I just feel like Patrick Mahomes is due for a big game. I think it’ll be a bit of a shootout but the Chiefs pull out a close one.

Jacob Harris: Chiefs 27, Texans 24

If Tyreek doesn’t play, the Chiefs get their offense closer to back on track, but have to escape with a late comeback win. If Tyreek plays, he brings enough uncontainable explosiveness to give the offense the extra juice it needs.

Scott Loring: Chiefs 40, Texans 36

The Chiefs are feeling cornered after last week’s loss and come out firing. The Texans rally late to make things look closer than it really is. Travis Kelce and Frank Clark lead the way to victory as the Chiefs pull one out in an offensive circus.

Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 31, Texans 28

The Texans are a good team. Maybe a great team. Sunday will show a lot about who these two teams are. The Chiefs will have an advantage playing at home during the day, and I think they’ll bounce back and win a tough game against a potential Super Bowl contender. Chiefs 31, Texans 28

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 45, Texans 42

The Chiefs are looking to bounce back after an ugly loss to the Colts but are dealing with a host of injuries. Despite those setbacks, the Chiefs will have practiced with those injured players out and find their groove again. The defense will be most impacted by the injuries and will give up a lot of points, but the offense will pull the defense through. While this won’t be an easy game, the Chiefs will pull out a victory in a high-scoring affair.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 35, Texans 30

Man, have I over projected the last few games. Kansas City is hurt bad when they don’t need to be. Houston doesn’t quite have the run game and o-line that the Colts did, so I don’t think they can control the Chiefs like Indianapolis. Expect the Chiefs to lean on Shady and Damien Williams early this game and attack the linebackers. The last thing K.C. will want to is give JJ Watt 30 shots at beating Erving and hitting MVPat, but I think in the fourth quarter, both offenses will shine and take off and start a late shootout.

Kelly Thompson: Chiefs 45, Texans 42

Patrick Mahomes has a history of showing up big after a loss. Tyreek Hill is going to play (we think/hope) for the first time since week one. The offensive line has something to prove. The defensive front seven has as much or more to prove. But, Deshaun Watson is a legit MVP candidate and Hopkins/Fuller are a top 5 wide receiver tandem in the league. The Hyde/Johnson 1-2 punch at running back could get some extended play this week. We get a shootout in Arrowhead on Sunday, and the Chiefs return to their winning ways with a late game score.

Grant Tuttle: Chiefs 38, Texans 21

The Chiefs are hungry to rebound after a couple of shaky weeks. If Tyreek Hill is able to return, the offense may go for 450 yards. I expect Andy Reid to outcoach Bill O’Brien in humiliating fashion.

Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 34, Texans 31

Don’t expect the Chiefs defense to get better. However, the Chiefs offense is due for a big game. The offense won’t be perfect, but it must return to its dynamic form. Chiefs will rebound and win.