Texans vs. Chiefs predictions: Kansas City picked to move on to AFC Championship
By Drew Brooks
The Kansas City Chiefs will be taking on the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional and our writers predict a Chiefs victory.
The second weekend of the NFL playoffs is upon us, and in the AFC Divisional game the Kansas City Chiefs will be taking on the Houston Texans. The last time these two teams met in a playoff game was in the 2016 Wild Card game. From kick returner Knile Davis’ 106-yard kickoff return touchdown to the team’s four interceptions, the Chiefs dominated that game in all aspects to win 30-0.
But both teams have changed drastically since then. For starters, the Chiefs’ quarterback during that game was Alex Smith while the Texans’ quarterback was Brian Hoyer. Both teams have made big changes since then, and this game should be much more competitive.
The teams met earlier this season in Week 6 with the Texans emerging victorious 31-24. But even then, the Chiefs were a much different team. K.C. was fighting through multiple injuries, with starters Eric Fisher, Andrew Wylie, Chris Jones, and Sammy Watkins all out.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was also fighting through an ankle injury, which he re-aggravated during the game. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill was returning from an injury in limited fashion, playing just over 20 snaps.
Now, the Chiefs are much healthier; however, they are not fully healthy. Both tight end Travis Kelce and Chris Jones are questionable for Sunday’s matchup, while cornerback Morris Claiborne is out. While Jones and Kelce are likely to play, they are not guarantees.
Meanwhile, the Texans have seven players listed as questionable including wide receivers Will Fuller and Kenny Stills. Both teams have players at risk of missing the game, but overall the Chiefs are much healthier than they were in Week 6 and are much healthier now.
Our writers believe that the Chiefs will come out on top and play again next week in the AFC Championship. Here’s what they have to say:
Drew Brooks: Chiefs 31, Texans 17
I think the Chiefs defense will keep playing well and the offense will feed off the energy. The weather is supposed to be cold and potentially snowy, which will affect the Texans, namely quarterback Deshaun Watson. Ultimately, I don’t think this game will be close and the Chiefs will come out on top.
Matt Conner: Chiefs 30, Texans 27
I think the Houston Texans play this much closer than anyone believes due to the variable that Deshaun Watson represents and the elite nature of DeAndre Hopkins at his position. The Chiefs are the better overall team and they will ultimately win out, but I think it will be clear that the Texans are tough. It’s just fortunate that the Chiefs have had the chance to rest while Houston is coming off of a long, hard-fought overtime win over the Bills.
Jalon Dodson: Chiefs 31, Texans 24
This game won’t be a gimme, but it isn’t going to be a nailbiter either. Texans will likely keep it close for a while and force Kansas City to rely on its offense.
Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 34, Texans 23
The Texans and quarterback Deshaun Watson are dangerous, but the Chiefs should be okay if they execute. The Texans defense is one of the worst in the NFL on 3rd down and K.C. was the best in the NFL at converting them. Also, Houston has allowed a ton of sacks this season and K.C.’s defense is much improved. The Chiefs get a solid win here.
Jacob Harris: Chiefs 28, Texans 17
I think this is a fairly easy win despite being the playoffs. This is healthier team than the one that lost a huge lead against the Texans earlier this year.
Jake Kokoris: Chiefs 33, Texans 24
It’s so hard to predict a playoff game, but I’m all-in on this one. Mahomes will be as healthy as he’s been since week 1. Tyreek Hill is in a different dimension than any Texans secondary player. As great as the defense has been lately, Deshaun Watson is going to put up points, and maybe mount a bit of a comeback late in the game. Arrowhead will be deafening, which will lead to some offensive line miscues/ penalties. The biggest mismatch is Chiefs receivers vs. Houston’s secondary, so expect the Mahomes air-raid to deliver the Chiefs to their second straight conference championship appearance.
Scott Loring: Chiefs 33, Texans 17
The Chiefs’ run defense has put the clamps down since allowing over 180 rushing yards in the Week 6 matchup. However, this one will be dictated by how well the two teams get after the quarterback. The Chiefs finished +20 in sacks/sacks allowed in 2019. The Texans finished -18, primarily because the offense allowed more sacks than any other AFC team.
Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 31, Texans 20
The Chiefs have a number of advantages in this game: they are the better team, they have the better quarterback, they have the better coach, they’re on a hotter streak, and they’re playing at home. These things matter in the regular season, but they matter even more in the NFL playoffs. The Texans have had a nice run, but that should come to an end on Sunday. The only team that can beat the Chiefs in this game is themselves, and I don’t expect that to happen.
Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 31, Texans 26
I think the Chiefs will avenge the loss from earlier this season. While credit is given to the Texans—and they are a good team—I just think the Chiefs are better here. If both teams play their best football, I think the tip of the hat goes to the Chiefs. It will be close. I don’t think there will be a blowout because this is the playoffs, after all, but it will not feel like the Chiefs’ victory is in doubt.
Byron Smith: Chiefs 34, Texans 21
The Texans have beaten bad and mediocre teams here recently and they’ve barely done that, resorting to late game heroics from one Deshaun Watson. K.C. is gonna roll here and use the momentum they’ve built for seven weeks to go to their second AFC Championship game.
Travis Steffen: Chiefs 30, Texans 21
The Chiefs have drastically improved since playing the Texans in Week 6. Players have returned from injuries. Rookies have stepped up and exceeded expectations. New additions have been made in free agency. The defense has developed into a dominant unit. That’s not to say that the Texans should be looked past, as Deshaun Watson is one of the most clutch players in the league—which he proved again last weekend. However, with the improvements for the Chiefs, I think they come away with it.
Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 28, Texans 27
It will come down to the wire. I can see the Texans rallying against to comeback and trying to go for two to win. This Chiefs defense will need Tyrann Mathieu for a defensive sealing play.