Dominating the Regular Season

The Chiefs’ 2024 season has been pretty remarkable, yet questions linger about their ability to secure a historic Super Bowl three-peat. Despite their impressive record, skeptics point to the narrow margins of victory as a cause for concern. Remarkably, 11 of the Chiefs’ 15 wins were decided by one score or less. That underscores just how precarious their dominance has been. Detractors argue that without their typical offensive fireworks, this year’s Chiefs may not have the same aura of invincibility.

To wit, Patrick Mahomes has posted his least prolific numbers since becoming a starter. He threw for under 4,000 yards for the first time in his career and averaged just 6.8 yards per completion. The latter is a career low. However, the emergence of rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy provided a silver lining. Worthy contributed 638 receiving yards, proving to be a promising addition to an offense still anchored by the legendary Travis Kelce.

This Chiefs-Texans matchup revisits the teams’ Week 16 clash, where Kansas City prevailed 27-19. It also recalls a thrilling Divisional Round meeting five years ago. That’s when the Chiefs staged a historic comeback from a 24-0 deficit to defeat a very different Texans team led by quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Chiefs won that memorable contest 51-31, with Tyreek Hill as a primary offensive weapon. Much has changed since then, but Kansas City’s playoff pedigree remains intact.

Ahead of their game against the Houston Texans, it’s time to release our Kansas City Chiefs Divisional Round predictions.

Patrick Mahomes Throws for 400 Yards

Mahomes shines brightest in the postseason, and this game should be no exception. He faces a Texans defense that ranked 25th in passing yards allowed during the regular season. As such, expect Mahomes to attack early and often through the air. Houston’s defense lacks the depth to counter Kansas City’s diverse passing arsenal, with Worthy’s field-stretching ability and Kelce’s knack for exploiting defensive gaps posing major threats. Mahomes should capitalize on these mismatches. We expect him to deliver a dominant performance highlighted by 400 total yards.

That said, Mahomes may face a momentary setback, as Houston’s Will Anderson Jr could record a sack. Avoiding costly errors will also be a priority for Mahomes,. This is particularly true after watching Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s disastrous four-interception performance against Houston in the Wild Card round.

Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce Combine for 150+ Total Yards

Yes, Mahomes’ brilliance garners the spotlight. That said, the contributions of Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce cannot be understated. Against a Texans defense that has struggled to contain versatile playmakers, both Worthy and Kelce are primed for standout performances. Worthy brings explosive speed. Meanwhiloe, Kelce has an unmatched ability to find soft zones in coverag. They will force Houston’s defense to struggle containing them. Together, they should easily eclipse 150 total yards and find the end zone twice.

Jones and Karlaftis Each Get a Sack

Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has endured a season of relentless pressure. He finished as the NFL’s second-most sacked quarterback with 52 takedowns during the regular season. Sure, quarterbacks often bear responsibility for sacks. However, Houston’s offensive line—particularly the interior—has been a weak link. This vulnerable unit will face an uphill battle against Kansas City’s Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.

A three-time first-team All-Pro, Jones continues to dominate as one of the league’s premier interior linemen. Although his sack numbers didn’t match previous seasons, Jones still has the ability to disrupt opposing offenses. With the help of George Karlaftis off the edge, expect Jones to capitalize on Houston’s interior struggles and for both players to record sacks. This would surely further complicate Stroud’s day.

The Chiefs Win Convincingly

The Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs are a force to be reckoned with. This matchup against Houston will highlight that. The Chiefs enter this game refreshed and healthier than they’ve been in weeks. That’s thanks to two weeks of rest after sitting key players in Week 18 and enjoying a first-round bye. With the return of key contributors like Marquise Brown, Isiah Pacheco, and potentially Jaylen Watson, the team’s depth is at its peak.

The Texans, by contrast, enter this contest with significant injuries. These include the loss of receiver Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL and Tank Dell to a dislocated kneecap suffered against Kansas City just weeks ago. Sure, Houston’s defense poses challenges. However, the Chiefs’ experience and superior roster depth give them a clear edge. Unlike the Chargers’ mistake-prone Wild Card performance, Kansas City’s seasoned roster should minimize errors and capitalize on opportunities. Expect the Chiefs to assert their dominance and advance with a convincing win over Houston.

Looking Ahead

The stage is set for the Kansas City Chiefs to remind everyone why they are the top seed in the AFC. With a well-rounded team firing on all cylinders and key players returning to the fold, the Chiefs have every tool needed to handle the Houston Texans. From Mahomes’ mastery to a defense that thrives on disruption, Kansas City is primed to make a statement on their way to another AFC Championship Game. The Texans, while commendable for their efforts this season, are stepping into one of the league’s most intimidating environments. Expect the Chiefs to deliver a commanding performance that sets the tone for the rest of their playoff journey.