Three things to look for in KC Chiefs-Houston Texans AFC divisional playoff game
Although the Chiefs initially didn’t know who they’d be playing in an AFC Divisional Round game next weekend, they were aware of one thing.
It would be a rematch.
The Chiefs had played the other six teams in the AFC postseason field during the regular season. And, when the Buffalo Bills defeated the Denver Broncos 31-7 on Sunday, it meant the Chiefs would face the Houston Texans in a Divisional Round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
That game will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The Chiefs beat the Texans 29-17 at Arrowhead on Dec. 21. Here are three things to know about the playoff rematch.
1. Pass protection
NFL.com noted that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was the second-most sacked quarterback (52) behind the Bears’ Caleb Williams during the regular season. Stroud also took 109 quarterback hits, ranking second-most behind the Bengals’ Joe Burrow (122).
But in the Texans’ 32-12 win over the Chargers in Saturday’s AFC Wild Card Game, Stroud was sacked just three times and took five quarterback hits. That’s hardly a clean pocket, but it was an improvement from the regular season.
In the first meeting between the teams, the Chiefs had 11 quarterback hits but just two sacks.
Putting pressure on Stroud will be a key for the Chiefs.
2. Defensive improvement
The Texans had the 14th-ranked scoring defense in the regular season (21.9 points per game), but they were sixth in yards allowed.
Houston’s defense was terrific Saturday, with four interceptions of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and four sacks. That included a pick-six.
The Texans had nine quarterback hits, and the Houston Chronicle said at one point late in regulation Herbert had been pressured on 50% of his dropbacks.
Seven of the Chargers’ 14 drives went for 14 yards or fewer.
In their loss to the Chiefs, the Texans had just one sack and four quarterback hits and didn’t have a takeaway. The Chiefs averaged 5.4 yards per play in that December meeting.
Ball protection has been a strength for the Chiefs, who haven’t had a turnover in their last five games. That could be a key in the playoff matchup.
3. Mixon and Collins
Houston wide receiver Nico Collins caught seven passes Saturday and had a franchise playoff-record 122 receiving yards against the Chargers. That broke the mark previously held by DeAndre Hopkins (118 yards), who is now with the Chiefs, KRPC-TV noted.
The Chiefs limited Collins to 60 receiving yards during their game in December.
After the Texans took a second-half lead, they leaned on running back Joe Mixon. An NFL.com story noted Mixon had 91 yards rushing in 19 carries in the second half.
“With Mixon grinding out yards on the ground, the Texans took nearly seven minutes off the clock in a 13-point game before he capped it with another bruising 17-yard run for a score that served as the dagger,” NFL.come’s Nick Shook wrote. “Mixon’s production has been inconsistent in 2024, but when the Texans needed to win on the ground in order to preserve their lead, they had the perfect guy to get the job done.”
Part of that inconsistent play came in the game against the Chiefs, as he was limited to 57 yards rushing. He also had one catch for 14 yards that day.
Houston’s efforts toward getting Mixon on track will be something to watch in the postseason game.
This story was originally published January 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Three things to look for in KC Chiefs-Houston Texans AFC divisional playoff game."
