The Chiefs and Texans haven’t met since late in the 2022 season, when the teams were on opposite tracks. The Chiefs were headed to the Super Bowl, the Texans to a 3-13-1 finish and the second overall pick in the next draft.
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Since then, one side has transformed itself: Not the Chiefs — they’ve remained the NFL standard with another Super Bowl triumph and own the league’s best record this season.
Houston, largely because of selecting C.J. Stroud with that second selection, has clinched its second straight AFC South title and playoff spot.
Stroud was an easy choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season, but his numbers have dipped this year. His passing yards per game have dropped from 274 yards to 232, and interceptions have jumped from five to nine.
Still, as Stroud faces the Chiefs for the first time on Saturday, defensive tackle Chris Jones said they expect to see the best version of the former Ohio State star.
“Pretty mobile guy and can make any throw,” Jones said. “Quick release, smart quarterback.”
Part of Stroud’s issues are with his offensive line. He’s been sacked 45 times in 14 games compared to 38 in 15 games a year ago. Also, top receiver Nico Collins missed five games with a hamstring injury and Stefon Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8.
That could play in the Chiefs’ favor. They recorded a season-high five sacks, along with forcing six turnovers, against the Cleveland Browns last week.
“I hope we didn’t use them all up,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said of his unit’s best game of 2024.
Here’s what else to watch in Saturday’s game that kicks off at noon and will be broadcast on NBC (Channel 41).
Chiefs player to watch: Tight end Travis Kelce
Another milestone approaches. Kelce, with 991 career receptions, is closing in on becoming the 15th player in NFL history with 1,000. He’s had three games this season with at least nine receptions, including a 14-catch game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which set a career best in the regular season.
Kelce’s yardage is down, he’s averaging 50.6 yards per game, which would be a season low. But the Chiefs’ passing offense is producing the fewest yards, 239.1 per game, in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Also, Kelce’s averages for depth of target (6.7 yards) and yards after the catch (3.4) are career lows.
But his 84 receptions this season are 40 more than the next Chiefs player, Xavier Worthy, and his 709 receiving yards rank fifth among tight ends.
Texans player to watch: Defensive end Danielle Hunter
The address changed, the production hasn’t.
Hunter, who made the Pro Bowl in half of his eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, is having a terrific season in his first year in Houston. Hunter’s 12 sacks rank second in the NFL, with teammate Will Anderson standing eighth with 10 1/2. That makes them the league’s top sacks duo.
One of Hunter’s 16 1/2 sacks last season came against the Chiefs. Last week, after moving guard Joe Thuney to tackle, the Chiefs didn’t allow a sack. But Mahomes felt the pressure throughout the game and a fourth quarter hit caused his ankle injury.
Special teams player to watch: Texans punter Tommy Townsend
The punter with more experience at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will be wearing a Houston jersey. Townsend spent his first four years with the Chiefs, earning All-Pro honors in 2022 and winning two Super Bowl rings.
Townsend signed a free agent deal with the Texans after last season and is having another excellent season, averaging 47.9 yards per punt, sixth in the NFL.
