The Kansas City Chiefs took another step toward their third straight Super Bowl aspirations, defeating the Houston Texans 23-14 in the AFC Divisional Round. The victory marked Kansas City’s seventh consecutive trip to the AFC Championship during the Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid era.
Kansas City’s offense despite coming out of the gates slowly, picked up as the games progressed. Mahomes and Travis Kelce led the charge for the Chiefs in this game, as they found the right matchup to exploit and discovered success against a hungry and determined Texans defense. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense displayed its usual bend but don’t break philosophy as they dominated at critical moments. They recorded a season-high eight sacks keeping Houston’s offense in check when it mattered most.
Kansas City Chiefs Struggle Early, But Defense Stays Strong
Kansas City’s special teams set the tone on the first play of the game. Nikko Remigio’s 63-yard kickoff return put the Chiefs in prime position to get into the end zone. However, the offense came out sluggish and failed to capitalize, settling for a 32-yard Harrison Butker field goal to open the scoring.
Houston immediately responded with a decisive 10-play, 68-yard drive, but like the Chiefs, they were forced to settle for a field goal. The first quarter ended with Kansas City up 6-3, as both defenses controlled the pace, stifling red zone opportunities.
The second quarter saw Kansas City’s defense start turning up the heat. A sack from Defensive End Charles Omenihu and a missed 55-yard field goal by the Texans allowed the Chiefs to hold on to their lead. Then the turning point for the offense happened. Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 49-yard catch and run, leading to a one-yard Kareem Hunt touchdown run. Kansas City took a 13-6 lead into halftime, with help from their defense’s relentless pass rush that recorded three sacks in the first half.
Houston Texans Battle Back, But KC Regain Momentum
Houston’s offense came alive in the third quarter, as they began with the ball and put together a methodical 15-play, 82-yard drive. Houston’s lead back, Joe Mixon capped it off with a 13-yard touchdown run, but Houston’s Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the extra point. Kansas City clung to a 13-12 lead.
The offense kept it going in the fourth quarter, with Mahomes finding Kelce for a touchdown to extend the lead to 20-12. Kelce’s dominant performance, 117 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions, solidified his place in NFL history. He passed Jerry Rice for the most 100-yard receiving games in postseason play.
Kansas City’s defense did not let up whatsoever down the stretch as George Karlaftis and Tershawn Wharton continued to get C.J. Stroud. Then a 27-yard Butker field goal gave the Chiefs an 11-point cushion with under five minutes to play in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the win.
Kansas City’s Defense Delivers In the Clutch
Houston’s final drive of the game ended in disappointment, with Stroud leaving the game due to injury on the third down play as he was sacked. Stroud finished with 245 passing yards but was under constant pressure the entire day, taking eight sacks and enduring 14 quarterback hits.
The Texans managed a late safety after Kansas City fumbled into their end zone, but the Chiefs had already done enough to secure the victory. Despite allowing 336 total yards, including 149 on the ground, Kansas City’s defense followed through with their bend-but-don’t-break approach, holding Houston to just one touchdown.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs offense was led by Mahomes’ efficient 177 passing yards and Kelce’s historic performance. They rose to the occasion when it mattered most as they repeatedly have done during this run. Rookie Xavier Worthy also made an impact contributing five catches for 45 yards in his NFL Postseason debut.
Defensively, Kansas City’s pass rush was the difference-maker, delivering a relentless effort to disrupt Stroud and Houston’s offensive rhythm all game. With their dominant performance, the Chiefs now turn their focus to next week’s AFC Championship. A place they have been every single year with Mahomes under center and where they’ll compete for a chance to return to the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs now await the winner of the Bills-Ravens matchup, ready to continue their hunt for a third straight championship. The AFC Championship Game is set for next Sunday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m. EDT on CBS.
