The Chiefs host the Texans this Saturday. Composite Getty Image.
When the Texans take the field against KC this Saturday, there's a lot more on the line than just playoff seating. The Texans have several things to prove this week against the NFL's elite.
For instance, the Texans haven't beaten a quality team on the road all season, with communication issues on the offensive line often causing problems. If Houston wants to be a legit contender, they have to show they can play with the big boys on the road.
Speaking of which, despite already locking up their division, the Texans typically don't crack the Top 10 in power rankings. They are very much viewed as a team that's good enough to win a weak division, and nothing more.
A win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs would make a statement. That would mean the Texans would have beaten both Mahomes and MVP favorite Josh Allen in the same season.
And let's face it, these are the types of teams the Texans will have to defeat in the postseason if they want to contend for a conference championship.
*Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap breaks it all down!
Game Preview: Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Texans passing offense
C.J. Stroud continues to impress with his ability to make big plays, particularly on scramble drills and broken plays. However, consistent pressure has been an issue, with Stroud taking four sacks last week against the Dolphins. This marks the seventh time this season he’s been sacked four or more times. Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones, known for his elite disruptive ability, could create significant problems.
Texans run game
Running back Joe Mixon started the season strong, rushing for over 100 yards in five of his first six games. However, his recent performances have been less effective, with fewer than 47 rushing yards in three of his last five outings. Mixon was held to just 26 yards on the ground against the Dolphins, which raises questions about his ability to bounce back against a Chiefs defense that has been dominant lately.
Chiefs defense
Kansas City's defense has been on a tear, holding opponents to under 18 points in three straight games. Last week, they recorded four interceptions, five sacks, and 11 QB hits against the Browns. While the Chiefs’ secondary has been opportunistic, their pass rush could be the deciding factor, particularly if they exploit Houston's shaky pass protection.
Texans defense
The Texans’ defense has been solid in recent weeks, holding opponents to under 21 points in three of their last four games. They'll need to keep that momentum going against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. While Kansas City allowed no sacks last week, they faced significant pressure, something Houston will need to replicate to disrupt Mahomes' rhythm.
What does Vegas think?
The Chiefs are favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 42 points.
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Critical matchups necessary for Texans to pull off Christmas Day miracle over Ravens
Dec 24, 2024, 12:48 pm
For a second straight season, the Houston Texans will be without Tank Dell to end the regular season and for the playoffs after the dynamic receiver suffered another major injury.
“It’s tough to see guys get injured, the work that guys put in, how much they put their bodies on the line to play this game,” Ryans said. “It’s deeper than football. We are talking about real people who have real emotions and real feelings who are going through a tough time right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in that situation.”
The AFC South champion Texans will have to regroup quickly with a visit from the Ravens coming on Christmas Day. Dell’s injury is another blow to a team that was already missing Stefon Diggs after the four-time Pro Bowl receiver sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 8.
Dell ranks second on the team with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns behind Nico Collins, who has 909 yards receiving and six scores.
Tight end Dalton Schultz has 482 yards receiving and two touchdowns and running back Joe Mixon 291 yards receiving and a touchdown grab. But with Dell and Diggs out, the Texans are thin at receiver.
John Metchie, who has just 182 yards receiving this season, could fill in for Diggs this week, but his status is uncertain after he missed Saturday’s game with a shoulder injury.
“There is a chance John could be back,” Ryans said. “I think he’s progressing, so we’ll see where he ends up on Wednesday.”
Other options at the position are veteran Robert Woods, who has just 143 yards receiving this season, and Xavier Hutchinson, who nine catches. Houston claimed former Ravens receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday, so he could factor in at some point.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud, one of Dell’s closest friends, was distraught after Dell’s injury and remained upset after the game. He said it will be difficult for the team to bounce back after losing Dell to a serious injury again.
“The easy answer is to tell you something to make everybody feel nice, but it’s not the truth right now,” he said after the game. “The truth is that it’s not easy seeing your brother go down like that. (Sunday) we’ll have to get recovery, get ready for Wednesday because it’s another big-time opponent. The Ravens are a great team. It’ll be a playoff atmosphere on Christmas Day.”
Don't miss the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap previews the Texans' Christmas Day matchup with the Ravens!
What's working
Stroud distributed the ball well Saturday, completing passes to six different players. Dell led the way with six receptions for 98 yards and Collins had seven receptions for 60 yards while being double-teamed often.
With teams likely to place even more emphasis on stopping Collins with Dell out, Stroud will need to continue to spread the ball around against the Ravens.
What needs help
The Texans continue to struggle in the red zone and converted just 1 of 3 opportunities Saturday. This comes after they were also 1 of 3 in a win over the Jaguars in Week 13 and converted just 2 of 4 chances in a loss to the Titans in Week 12.
“We had our opportunities, and it just comes down to as simple as guys being in the right spot,” Ryans said. “We just have to make the plays. We have to finish and that’s all it comes down to.”
Stock up
LB Christian Harris had seventh tackles and a sack against the Chiefs in his second game of the season after missing the first 13 with a calf injury. His sack was Houston’s 46th of the season, which ties a franchise record that was set last season.
Stock down
K Ka’imi Fairbairn missed an extra point Saturday. He’s been excellent from long range this season, making 13 field goals longer than 50 yards. But has struggled on shorter kicks, missing two from less than 30 yards before Saturday’s PAT miss.
Injuries
S Jimmie Ward injured his foot Saturday and could miss the rest of the season. … G Shaq Mason injured his knee against the Chiefs and will likely miss Wednesday’s game.
Key number
10 — Dell’s touchdown Saturday was the 10th of his career, tying Hall of Famer Andre Johnson for most TD catches by a Texans through their first two seasons.
Next steps
The Texans look for their first win over Baltimore since 2014 after five consecutive wins by the Ravens, including a 34-10 victory in the divisional round of the playoffs last season.
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