The Houston Texans have a lot of momentum after coming off a 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. Although the team had struggled at the end of the regular season, they pulled it together for a resounding win and a chance to move on to their biggest challenge yet. Waiting in the wings for the Texans are the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the last two Super Bowls. So, for KC, it’s business as usual. But for Houston, it’s a chance to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history. However. before they make that leap, Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and his team will need to be nearly perfect to take down the powerful Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.
Answering the Chiefs’ Challenge
KC has been the NFL’s Modern-Day Dynasty
It’s hard to deny that Kansas City (15-2 in the regular season) has been the league’s most high-profile team. Under Coach Andy Reid, the team has captured three Lombardi Trophies over the last five seasons. Led by all-everything quarterback Patrick Mahomes and superstar tight end Travis Kelce, their offense is based on clutch plays and limiting mistakes. Meanwhile, their defense is loaded with guys who like to wreak havoc, led by six-time Pro Bowl tackle Chris Jones.
With their collection of both records and rings, KC has a roster that includes several surefire Hall of Famers. Because of their dominance, a team from the Midwest – ‘flyover country’ to some – has become the glamour team of the NFL. Right down to their tight end dating the biggest pop star in the world.
Still, the Chiefs have shown chicks in their armor this season. Their vaunted offense dropped off in 2024, only averaging 22.6 points per game. Mahomes threw for 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and his 3,928 yards were his lowest since becoming the team’s starter. So, if anyone is going to take down the team that’s had a firm grasp on the championship, this looks to be the year.
Can the Houston Texans Slay the Giant?
The Franchise has Never Played in the AFC Championship Game
In many ways, CJ Stroud had a similar year as Mahomes. Coming off an impressive 2023 performance that saw him capture the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, he tapered off a bit in year two. The former Ohio State Buckeye threw for 3,727 yards, 20 TDs, and 12 INTs. While those aren’t the stats of a bench warmer, it was certainly below expectations for the Texans’ young star.
Fortunately, he won’t be taking on the Chiefs alone. Venerable running back Joe Mixon and playmaking wide receiver Nico Collins should help spark Houston’s explosive offense. They, alongside a swarming defense, should keep this game competitive. And if it comes down to the wire, the Texans have perhaps the game’s best kicker in Ka’imi Fairburn while the Chiefs kicker has dealt with injuries.
For Coach Ryans, the game will largely hinder on his team’s ability to limit Mahomes’ options. It’s a task that he admits sounds easier than it is.
“It’s very hard to get sacks on [Chiefs QB] Patrick [Mahomes],” Ryans said this week. “He does a good job of getting the ball out. They do a good job of getting all five eligibles out as well. And if a check down is there, he’s not afraid to take the short pass and that’s what makes him very unique.”
The Chiefs vs. Texans victor will take on the winner of the Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Championship on Sunday, Jan 26.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: The Tennessean
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