NFL playoff scores, highlights

On By Littum

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The Houston Texans advanced to the divisional round of the NFL postseason with a convincing win over Los Angeles Chargers. The Kansas City Chiefs are next, and the Texans will be the first playoff team to try to prevent quarterback Patrick Mahomes from leading his team to a Super Bowl three-peat.

The last time these teams played, the Texans lost 27-19 in a close game. Quarterback CJ Stroud didn’t have his best day, recording two interceptions to go along with two touchdowns, and the defense couldn’t stop Mahomes from methodically working his way up and down the field.

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The Chiefs earned the no. 1 seed based on a strong defense and Mahomes’ clutch play. However, they have played with very little room for error this year, winning their games by an average of 7.1 points. The Texans’ offense hasn’t been stellar, but Stroud’s connection with star receiver Nico Collins has proven to be one of the best combinations in the NFL this season. Still, Houston needs some of their other receivers to step up if they want to crack Kansas City’s defense.

Another weakness the Texans can exploit is the Chiefs’ offensive line. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will have to be at their very best to wreak havoc against Mahomes, one of the hardest quarterbacks to sack in the NFL.

Here’s everything to know about the Texans’ divisional-round playoff game against the Chiefs:

Texans vs Chiefs updates

Stroud has been under pressure all night and is sacked on third and 10 for the Chiefs’ eighth of the night. He limps off the field again, forcing a Texans field goal. Fairbairn’s kick is blocked by Leo Chenal and the Chiefs are on their way to the AFC Championship game.

After two consecutive three-and-out games, the Chiefs are knocking on the door of another AFC Championship game. Kansas City running back Kareem Hunt breaks a pair of tackles to put his team on Houston’s 18-yard line. Worthy catches a ball short of the first down and a field goal extends the Chiefs’ lead to 23-12

The drive starts off well for Houston as Stroud makes a couple of nice passes to get to Kansas City’s side of the field. However, the Chiefs’ defense turns up the pressure, with blitzes forcing Stroud into two straight incompletions. The Texans go for it on fourth down, but Stroud is unable to find a target as they turn the ball over on downs.

The Chiefs respond to the Texans’ touchdown with another long drive, aided by an unnecessary roughness on the Texans. Houston forces a third down in the red zone, but Mahomes works his magic and hits Kelce as he falls for an 11-yard touchdown. The Chiefs hit the field goal and led 20-12.

The Texans’ first offensive drive coming out of the half is exactly what they needed. Stroud and running back Joe Mixon slowly work their way down the field, converting multiple third downs and draining 10 minutes of clock. Mixon ends the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run, but Fairbairn’s extra point is no good. Chiefs lead 13-12.

As the half draws to a close, the Texans are able to drive down to the Chiefs’ 29-yard line, where they are forced to settle for a field goal. Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn kicks a 48-yard field goal to leave Kansas City with 16 seconds to play. They choose to let the clock run out.

The Chiefs find an explosive play as Mahomes finds tight end Travis Kelce for a 49-yard reception that takes the offense down to the Texans’ six-yard line. A few plays later, running back Kareem Hunt finally breaks the game open with a one-yard touchdown run. Chiefs lead 13-3.

On the ensuing drive, Will Anderson Jr. fires. Mahomes on third down to force a punt. Stroud’s knee looks fine on the next offensive drive as he scrambles 28 yards to convert a third-and-10. He’s not so lucky on the next third down, as former Longhorn Charles Omenihu sacks Stroud. The subsequent field goal is blocked.

The broadcaster reports that Stroud is dealing with discomfort in his left knee. The quarterback returns to the Texans’ drive and completes a pair of passes before Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones sacks him on third down, forcing a punt.

The Texans force a fumble by Mahomes on third down, but a roughing the passer penalty gives the Chiefs another set of downs. Mahomes connects with Xavier Worthy to reach the red zone again. Houston’s defense holds again to force another field goal.

After driving down to the Chiefs’ 14-yard line, Stroud scrambles for two yards on third down, but is tackled shortly after the first down marker. The quarterback limps off the field as the Texans tie the game with a field goal of their own.

The Chiefs get things started quickly with a 63-yard kickoff return. A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by former Longhorn Kris Boyd gives Mahomes a first down at the Texans’ 13-yard line. However, the Chiefs go three and out and settle for a field goal.

Texans vs. Chiefs inactive

Bosses:

  • Mecole Hardman (Out)
  • Jaylen Watson (doubtful)

Texans:

  • Teagan Quitoriano (out)
  • Joe Mixon (doubtful)
  • Azeez Al-Shaair (doubtful)
  • Robert Woods (doubtful)

What channel is the Texans vs Chiefs game on Saturday?

TV channel: ABC

Streaming: Fubo); ESPN+

The Texans versus the Chiefs will be televised nationally on ABC during the divisional round of the 2024 NFL season. Noah Eagle, (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color) and Kathryn Tapper (sideline) will be the broadcast crew.

How to watch Texans vs Chiefs on live stream

Streaming options for the game include Fubo and ESPN+.

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When and where to do it Houston Texas play saturday?

  • Date: January 18
  • Start time: 15:30
  • Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

More: Houston Texans schedule, results 2024: Time, TV channel for NFL playoff game

Texans vs Chiefs prediction, picks, betting odds

Odds provided by BetMGM from Tuesday 14 January.

  • Spread: Chiefs with 8 points.
  • Above/below: 42 points
  • Money line: Texans (+375), Chiefs (-500)

All kickoffs are listed in Central time.

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