The Houston Texans are set to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, marking the team’s third consecutive postseason appearance. The match will be a pivotal moment for both teams as they vie for the first Super Bowl three-peat in NFL history.
The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have won their last six regular-season games and boast a strong offense that is eager to get back on track after resting some starters in the regular-season finale. However, with Mahomes dealing with a sprained ankle, they may face an uphill battle against a Texans defense that has been formidable all season.
The Texans’ own journey to the playoffs was far from convincing, as they lost 31-2 to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day before clinching the AFC South title prior to their wild-card game win over the Los Angeles Chargers. C.J. Stroud and the Texans scored 23 consecutive points to secure a 32-12 win behind a defense that forced four interceptions from Justin Herbert.
This will be the third meeting between these teams in the playoffs, with the Chiefs emerging victorious both times before. One key factor to watch for is whether the Chiefs offense can get off to a quick start, as Mahomes has struggled with injuries throughout his career and will be looking to replicate his form from previous postseason appearances.
Additionally, C.J. Stroud’s performance will be crucial for the Texans’ chances of pulling off an upset. The second-year quarterback has made the most of what he’s got despite struggling with slow starts in recent games, including a 28-of-41 passing, 260-yard performance against the Chiefs in Week 16.
The defensive battle between these two teams is expected to be intense, with both units boasting strong pass rushers and defenders. The Texans’ defense ranks top three in sacks and takeaways in 2024, while the Chiefs have struggled to contain their opponents throughout the season. With Patrick Mahomes under pressure, which team will force turnovers and come out on top?
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-chiefs-three-things-to-watch-for-during-2025-divisional-round-on-saturday