The Kansas City Chiefs will look to extend their winning streak on Saturday as they face off against the Houston Texans. With five key factors to consider, the stage is set for an intense matchup.
Offensively, Patrick Mahomes will be available after missing last week with an ankle injury. This boost should bolster the Chiefs’ attack, but his return comes with some caveats. The team’s left tackle position remains uncertain, and Coach Andy Reid has hinted at experimenting with different lineups.
Defensively, the Texans boast a formidable pass rush, having recorded 45 sacks this season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has faced significant pressure, resulting in him being sacked an NFL-high 58 times as of Week 15. To counter this, the Chiefs will need to keep their quarterback mobile and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Houston’s defense also excels at creating turnovers. The Texans have recorded 28 takeaways this season, which is the second-most in the league. As a result, it’s crucial for the Chiefs to avoid giveaways and capitalize on any opportunistic plays against Stroud.
The Texans’ defensive performance has been particularly notable with 99 negative plays defensively, resulting in opponents losing over 450 yards. The Chiefs will need to devise an effective game plan to neutralize this threat.
With the AFC playoff picture still up for grabs, a victory over Houston could significantly boost the Chiefs’ chances of securing the top seed. By winning out their final three games, Kansas City can guarantee themselves home-field advantage in the postseason.
Source: https://www.chiefs.com/news/five-things-to-watch-on-saturday-texans-vs-chiefs