The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Houston Texans in a Week 16 matchup that could have huge implications for the AFC playoff picture.
Though Kansas City currently holds the lead in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed -- and the first-round bye and home-field advantage that comes with it -- the Chiefs can't afford to slip as the regular season winds down.
Houston hosts several players who could make an outsized impact on today's game, and the Texans should be expected to sell out in the pass rush while Patrick Mahomes deals with an ankle injury he sustained against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.
This afternoon, fans should expect to see a hard-fought game that is ultimately decided by a few key plays.
Check out our official predictions for Kansas City's matchup against the Texans:
The short period of three games in ten days is already taking a toll on the Kansas City Chiefs. The mission remains the same through every injury: clinch the top seed in the AFC.
Patrick Mahomes is far from 100 percent after suffering a high ankle sprain last Sunday but will likely gut it out for the Arrowhead Stadium season finale. The offense will rely on their two running backs, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, to shoulder the load with Mahomes playing hurt. The shifty and speedy Xavier Worthy will be used in various ways to get the ball and relieve pressure on Mahomes in the pocket.
Defensively, it will be tough to mirror the production from last week's victory, but the group will be active early in rushing C.J. Stroud. The secondary grew over the previous few weeks and is poised to continue the positive trend led by cornerback Trent McDuffie. Chris Jones should add to his sack total as the defensive line's confidence continues with the return of Charles Omenihu.
Final score: Chiefs 24, Texans 17
The Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to clinching the AFC's top seed after last week's win over the Cleveland Browns, but will face a much tougher opponent in the Houston Texans this week.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes' ankle continues to be a concern for the Chiefs and will undoubtedly be a factor in today's game. The reigning Super Bowl MVP is known for his ability to scramble and move around the pocket, but a hurt ankle may prove to limit his mobility. Speedy wide receiver Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown is also expected to play today, but head coach Andy Reid will most likely keep his snap count to a minimum.
The Texans are playoff-bound after another solid season from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who continues to build on his impressive 2023 campaign. Houston's defense ranks among the best in the league and will present a challenge for Kansas City. Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle made comments earlier this week and promised to bring pressure to Mahomes, but as we've seen in the past, these types of claims rarely work out for opposing teams.
Final score: Chiefs 24, Texans 21
The pressure is mounting for the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16. Coming off a relatively easy win against the Cleveland Browns, they must now face the Houston Texans while Patrick Mahomes is dealing with an ankle sprain sustained against the Browns.
Houston's defense is competent at fighting against the air attack, luckily Kansas City will finally have Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown back in action to bolster their game. While Mahomes will probably look stiff in the pocket this week and not run for any first downs, he should have no problem connecting with his receivers to keep the Chiefs drives alive.
The Texans have a solid offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, a 2023 first-round draft pick from Ohio that paid off well for Houston. They might not be able to take the lead in points this Saturday but they are certain to play a great game of football at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
All eyes are on Kansas City this week, the margin for error is narrowing quickly with the Buffalo Bills hot on their heels in the contest for the AFC number one seed. To maintain their two-game lead over Buffalo this week, the Chiefs must win over Houston.
Final score: Chiefs 30, Texans 27
Though Kansas City has several factors working against it in this matchup, the Chiefs should be expected to put together one of their best performances of the season as they look to move a step closer to winning the No. 1 seed for the AFC playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes' injury will be a factor to watch if Houston's pass-rush gets in rhythm early, but I expect that Kansas City will lean on its running game early to keep pressure off the reigning Super Bowl MVP.
The Chiefs have proven that they can adapt and overcome, and with a challenging matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the horizon, Kansas City can't afford to falter against the Texans on Saturday afternoon.
Final score: Chiefs 33, Texans 31
Check out everything you need to know to watch the Chiefs' Week 16 matchup against the Texans.