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Chargers pegged as potential landing spot for recently-waived wide receiver

The Chargers would be wise to upgrade their wide receiver room ahead of the playoffs.

Update: Diontae Johnson was claimed by the Texans.

The Chargers should look to improve their roster in any way they can ahead of the playoffs, and one positional room they could look to do so is at wide receiver.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles is someone to watch for WR Diontae Johnson, who was waived by the Ravens this past week.

Rapoport also cited the Chiefs and the Steelers as the two other potential landing spots for the wideout.

The Chargers are the highest of the three teams mentioned by waiver order. L.A. is No. 21 in waiver priority, followed by Pittsburgh at No. 25 and Kansas City at No. 32.

Johnson, a third-round draft pick in 2019 by the Steelers, has amassed 422 catches for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, the Panthers and Baltimore.

Johnson’s most productive season came back in 2021 when he totaled 107 catches for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns.

Johnson would provide the Chargers’ wide receiver room with a playmaker with refined route-running skills who can create after the catch.

Ladd McConkey leads the group in receiving with 960 yards, and there is a big gap, with Joshua Palmer next with 543 yards, followed by Quentin Johnston with 477 yards.

Johnson can be claimed by a team starting Monday at 1 p.m. PT. Also, he has a minimum salary, so he is effectively a no-cost option for the Chargers if they choose to add him.

Houston Texans schedule: Are the Texans playing today?

Are the Texans playing today? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come.

Will the Houston Texans take the field today in Week 16 of the NFL football schedule?

Houston returns home Sunday after being one of two four teams to play on Saturday as part of an NFL doubleheader. Unlike the Baltimore Ravens, who clinched a spot in the playoffs following a 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Texans lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-19 at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Texans enter fight-or-flight mode on three days’ rest. In Sunday’s defeat, Houston lost starting wide receiver Tank Dell, starting safety Jimmie Ward, and starting offensive lineman Shaq Mason due to injury. Dell, who was carted off in the third quarter, reportedly dislocated his kneecap and likely won’t play again in 2024.

Following a holiday hoedown against the Ravens, the Texans hit the road on Jan. 6 to take on the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Should the Texans win out, they’d finish with an 11-6 record, marking their best record since 2012.

At 9-6, the Texans currently lead the AFC South by three games.

Houston Texans 2024 schedule

Week 1: at Indianapolis (W, 29-27)
Week 2: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
Week 3: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
Week 5: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
Week 6: at New England (W, 41-21)
Week 7: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
Week 8: vs. Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
Week 9: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
Week 10: vs. Detroit (L, 26-23)
Week 11: at Dallas (W, 34-10)
Week 12: vs. Tennessee (L, 32-27)
Week 13: at Jacksonville (W, 23-20)
Week 14: Bye
Week 15: vs. Miami (W, 20-12)
Week 16: at Kansas City (L, 27-19)
Week 17: vs. Baltimore
Week 18: at Tennessee
Record: 9-6

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Chiefs WR Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown made a positive impact in his season debut

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown made a positive impact in his season debut | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs finally activated veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown for action this season during Saturday’s matchup with the Houston Texans. After an extensive recovery process from a preseason shoulder injury, Brown impressed his coaches and teammates with his efficient performance.

“He (Hollywood Brown) had the big fourth down one (play),” said head coach Andy Reid during his postgame press conference. “The great thing about all those guys (the receivers) is that they all want to play (but) we just have one ball. I try to explain that to them and they all want to go make the play – and he’s like that. He loves playing, and he knew he was doing well in there and just wanted more – he was feeling well, I should’ve said, not doing well, but feeling well.”

Brown finished the victory over Houston with five catches for 45 yards, an average of nine yards per reception. The synergy he built with Patrick Mahomes in the offseason was displayed as the reigning Super Bowl MVP told reporters on Saturday.

“I thought he (Hollywood Brown) did a great job. I missed him here and there on a couple (of) throws, but I thought he was getting open; he was winning against man coverage, which is huge,” said Mahomes. “He’s a couple throws away from having a really, really big game – just getting him in there and getting the football in his hands and getting where he can feel confident and running through tackles and stuff like that. I thought he did a great job of that, and we’ll get him involved more and more as the season goes on.”

Playing alongside Xavier Worthy and DeAndre Hopkins, Brown will ideally create matchup problems for the defense. Mahomes is playing with a high ankle sprain but was still able to find multiple receivers open due to an extra playmaker’s presence.

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie reflects on defensive performance vs. Texans: ‘Everybody just stuck together’

Kansas City #Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie reflects on defensive performance vs. Houston #Texans: ‘Everybody just stuck together’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has increased their takeaways over the last two games, adding a missing dynamic from earlier in the season. All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie described the group’s energy during his postgame press conference after Saturday’s victory.

“I felt it. The energy with the team, the offense putting up points and controlling the ball, the defense making stops,” said McDuffie. “We let up a few third-and-longs, which we were disappointed with. Overall, everybody just stuck together. The energy was there on the sideline; you could just tell that guys were trying to get back in the groove of things. For me, it was really exciting to be a part of that.”

McDuffie secured another interception in Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans, less than a week from getting his first career pick. He appreciated the coaching staff for preparing players for a short week.

“(Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) Spags has a big emphasis on the first drive and the last drive of every half,” said McDuffie. “Going back to the coaches during the week, we spent a lot of time in two minute and in situational (football), just making sure we know what we’re doing but also what they’re going to attack us with. I felt like, over the course of the year we’ve been hit with a few different things, but now that we’re getting to the later part of the year, we know what teams try to attack us with. Guys are starting to get comfortable with our play calls and trying to execute the calls correctly.”

The Chiefs’ defense has eight takeaways in two weeks, increasing its pressure and sacks of opposing quarterbacks. Over the next few days, they will prepare for the elusive Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes details the progress of his ankle injury: ‘I can kind of move around’

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes details the progress of his ankle injury: ‘I can kind of move around’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was able to perform up to his usual standards on Saturday against the Houston Texans while dealing with a high ankle sprain injury. He revealed the status of his ankle after the game to reporters during his postgame press conference compared to the 2023 AFC Championship game.

“I felt like I was ahead of there, that one; it kind of hurt just to walk in general, whereas now, I can kind of move around walking and stuff like that. Now, it’s just trying to get even better for this next game. Mahomes said. We’re playing a good football team that’s got a great defense; they’re going to be getting after it. Try to get in a better spot so I can utilize my mobility and still be able to work within the pocket and outside the pocket as well.”

Mahomes scrambled on the sore ankle for 33 yards (total) and a touchdown carry to start the game. He also tossed a touchdown pass with 260 yards total in the air and no turnovers. The two-time league MVP expressed his reason for playing through the pain: to honor and support his teammates.

“I ask a lot from the guys around me; I feel like if I’m going to ask them to play through pain, if I’m going to ask them to play through little nicks and bruises and stuff like that, I’ve got to do it as well,” said Mahomes. “That’s something I pride myself on, is being out there with my guys and playing football. I’m not going to put us in a position to be in a bad spot or lose a football game, but if I feel like I can compete and win, I’m going to be out on that football field.”

Mahomes will be back in action on Christmas Day against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in the next few days, they will continue to focus on the treatment of the ankle.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses Patrick Mahomes’ performance vs. Texans: ‘He’s so tough’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discusses Patrick Mahomes’ performance vs. Houston #Texans: ‘He’s so tough’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed reporters after Saturday’s victory over the Houston Texans. He immediately praised his team’s performance for going undefeated at home during the regular season and the grit of his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

“Yeah, I didn’t think he’d (Mahomes) be able to run like that or would run like that, but yeah, he did a great job of following it as well,” said Reid. “But yeah, no, he had that mindset right from the get-go out that he was gonna be out there and doing so. He didn’t miss a beat. He practiced every rep.”

Mahomes didn’t seem bothered by the high ankle sprain he suffered last week against the Cleveland Browns, which initially caused concern for his availability for Saturday’s game. He rushed for a touchdown to start the game and threw for another score to contribute to the victory, earning even more respect from his head coach.

“He’s (Mahomes) so tough and mentally and physically,” said Reid. “You just get used to it, but most guys don’t come back from that like he did. But he set his mind to it, then jumped in that training room and stayed there. They worked on him, and they did a great job with that, our trainers. Most guys don’t do that. It sends a message to the whole team. Our guys, our leaders, are good in that way. They try to play through things like that.”

Reid will rest well knowing that Mahomes will have a few extra days of treatment before their Christmas Day showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

WATCH: Texans LB Christian Harris hammers Patrick Mahomes for first sack

Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris tallied his first sack of the season with a takedown of Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes

Welcome back to the sack column, Christian Harris.

The third-year Houston Texans linebacker to the field for the first time in the 2024 season last week against the Miami Dolphins. Harris tallied his first sack of the season on 2nd down against the Kansas City Chiefs by bringing Patrick Mahomes down.

The 1st sack of the season for Christian Harris ties the #Texans franchise team record of 46 sacks in a season.

— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) December 21, 2024

Harris was questionable for Saturday’s contest with an ankle injury, but made progress later in the week to play his second game of the season.

Last year, Harris started 12 games and finished 101 total tackles and 12 sacks. He had a strong finish to the 2023 season, which led many to believe Harris would be in for a bigger 2024.

Harris suffered the calf injury in the preseason and it lingered until the bye in Week 14.

His return gives Houston three formidable linebackers with the emergence of Henry To’oTo’o and midseason signing Devin White.

The Texans will begin on defense to begin the third quarter.

Inactives for Texans vs. Chiefs, Week 16

Here are the players who will be inactive during the #Texans vs. #Chiefs Week 16 game | From @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans released their list of inactive players before their Week 16 matchup.

Here are the inactive players for the Chiefs:

OT CJ Hanson
OT D.J. Humphries
OT Ethan Driskell
DT Marlon Tuipulotu
DB Chamarri Conner
DE Malik Herring
DE Josh Uche

Here is the inactive list for the Texans:

OL Nick Broeker
DT Folorunso Fatukasi
DE Jerry Hughes
WR John Metchie
C Juice Scruggs
TE Cade Stover
LB Devin White

Causes for concern as the Bills take on the Patriots in Week 16

The Buffalo Bills will host the New England Patriots in Week 16 at Highmark Stadium.

The Bills (11-3) and Patriots (3-11) have trended in different directions this season. The Bills have won eight of their last nine games while the Patriots have lost five of their last six.

Even though Buffalo is favored to win the game, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills against the Patriots in Week 16:

Question marks in the secondary

What would make Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s day a bit easier on Sunday would be if the Bills are down members of their secondary. Safeties Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp, along with cornerback Rasul Douglas, all missed Week 15’s win over the Detroit Lions.

Although the Bills won last week, they allowed almost 494 passing yards from Lions QB Jared Goff to go along with five touchdowns.

Douglas, Hamlin, and Rapp all are listed as questionable heading into Week 16. Buffalo’s linebackers are banged up a bit, too. Matt Milano, Dorian Williams, and Baylon Spector all are carrying the same designation.

Containing QB Drake Maye

The Bills have yet to face the rookie quarterback out of the University of North Carolina. Maye has been a bright spot on an otherwise dim Patriots season. He has shown poise and instincts as a young signal caller and he can beat you with both his arm and legs.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott has had success going against rookie quarterbacks in his career with an 8-3 record. Maye is one of the more challenging ones. We’ll see how the Bills game plan for him.

Overlooking an opponent

The Bills are coming off a win over the Lions, whom many consider to be the best team in the NFL. Combine that with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year and the Bills have proven they can beat anyone.

What’s difficult is bringing the same intensity for a Week 16 matchup with the Patriots as you did in a “Super Bowl preview” type of game. The Bills’ discipline and execution will be tested by a division rival looking to play spoiler.

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Chiefs DB Justin Reid praises secondary depth: ‘Guys have been able to come in and make plays’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Justin Reid praises secondary depth: ‘Guys have been able to come in and make plays’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid has embraced his leadership role in a young secondary. During Thursday’s press conference, he shared his thoughts on their progression and overcoming all the injuries.

“The way it’s been all year has been the next guy up. We’ve had a constant rotation and have confidence in whoever is on the field. Chris Roland Wallace has been making plays.” said Reid. “Chamarri (Conner), if he is able to make it, he’ll be in there, and he’ll be making some plays for us. Josh Williams comes in and makes plays. Nazeeh Johnson comes in and makes plays. So, it doesn’t matter. Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook, it doesn’t matter who’s on the field; when you’re on the field, you’re a starter.”

In the first quarter of their Week 15 victory against the Cleveland Browns, Bryan Cook intercepted a deep pass down the middle of the field from Jameis Winston, his second on the season. In the fourth quarter, Trent McDuﬃe recorded his first career interception, and with 1:26 left in the game, Jaden Hicks intercepted Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

“We have faith in all those guys to come in and perform,” said Reid. We have the record we have, because guys have been able to come in and make plays when we need them to.”

The injuries have sometimes hampered the Chiefs secondary, forcing the depth signing of veteran cornerback Steven Nelson last week.