Tag: christmas game

Texans far from concerned with standings in AFC playoffs

The only win-loss record that matters for the Texans is the one on the upcoming gameday against their future opponent.

The Houston Texans can only control what’s ahead.

That includes a victory in Week 18 over the Tennessee Titans to secure a 10-win season.

That includes responding in the wild-card round when they host a playoff game against the top-ranked wild-card roster.

Looking back at a 31-2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens won’t do anyone good. Neither is looking back on the previous four losses in six games after starting the year off 6-3.

Houston might have a 9-7 record, but it’s a division winner. That’s all that matters entering the regular season finale.

“The records really don’t concern me,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “I never go into a game thinking about a team’s record, whether it’s a winning or losing record. Every week it’ll be about how you show up to the game and how you play within those three and a half hours.”

The previous three hours of play will be one Houston hopes to forget. After trailing by 10, the Texans forced a safety on All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. The offense drove once more and landed inside Baltimore’s 5 with a chance to tie the game.

But back-to-back underwhelming play calls led to a turnover on downs at the 1-yard line. Three plays later, Lamar Jackson found Mark Andrews for a 67-yard gain.

Two plays after that, the MVP candidate connected with Isaiah Likely for a 9-yard score and extended the lead to 15.
Ryans, who has Houston in the playoffs, said that regardless of records, it’s about the team that afternoon.

“It just matters are you the best team within that time frame,” Ryans said. “The records really don’t matter and definitely doesn’t matter when you go into the playoffs. Just all about looking internally and playing your best.”

Houston hopes to be the better team next Sunday at Nissan Stadium against the three-win Titans. The plan is for it to carry over into the second week of January.

Ravens-Texans Week 17: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The Houston Texans fell short of securing a 10-win season on Christmas Day against the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s the snap count.

One could argue that the Houston Texans at least made games close.

Not every outing ended in victory, but at least they were four-quarter battles.

Outside of kickoff and the handshakes, that wasn’t the case for Wednesday’s showdown at NRG Stadium.

Behind an MVP-worthy performance from Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Texans 31-2 while shoring up their chances of securing the AFC North division title for a second straight season.

Without question, Wednesday’s lulls marked the worst loss of the DeMeco Ryans era. It also marked perhaps the worst game C.J. Stroud played since his time at Ohio State in 2021.

“We didn’t play our best ball, and all of that starts with me. A lack of execution,” Ryans said. “I’ll take the next couple of days here to look at everything — including myself.”

The Texans’ only points came off a safety in the second quarter. Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter dove for All-Pro running back Derrick Henry’s legs pinned at the 3-yard line to stuff him in the end zone.
Houston (9-7) came close to the end zone once more on the ensuing drive before getting stuffed on third down. With a touchdown, the Texans could have tied the game at 10-10, so the odds were in DeMeco Ryans’ favor.
The execution was not. Joe Mixon was stuffed at the 1-yard line and Baltimore wasted little time responding. A 67-yard pass to Mark Andrews set the Ravens up at Houston’s 13.
That eventually carried over to a 9-yard score and a 17-2 lead.
Here are the snap counts from both teams.

Offensive Snaps: 56

Defensive Snaps: 63

Special Teams Snaps: 18

The Texans have 10 days to respond before closing out the regular season on the road against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

A time for kickoff has yet to be determined as of this time.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid explains his Santa Claus postgame speech: ‘For all you nonbelievers’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid explains his Santa Claus postgame speech: ‘For all you nonbelievers’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is serious about his game plans and the team’s execution throughout the season. However, he knows how to cut loose and celebrate with the players, especially after a significant victory, such as Christmas Day over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Reid donned a Santa Claus outfit in the locker room after the Week 17 victory, much to the delight of the players and owner Clark Hunt.

“Merry Christmas,” Reid said. I’m proud of you, dudes. Proud of you, for the present, you get home-field advantage.”

The long-time head coach was in great spirits as he spoke with reporters at the podium during his postgame press conference.

“So we appreciate that great to have Christmas, and Merry Christmas to all our fans and part of the organization that couldn’t be here,” said Reid. “So, it’s a good way to celebrate it right here in Pittsburgh.”

It’s not the first time the league’s oldest head coach has taken on the role of Santa as he was asked the essential question regarding his outfit and who packed it for him before the trip.

“I didn’t pack it some. One of my elves did,” said Reid. “I can’t transition on that to you, though I can’t tell you the secrets, but there was an elf involved. For all you nonbelievers out there.”

The Chiefs have clinched the top seed in the AFC and are officially set to have a first-round bye in the postseason. Reid’s next act will be figuring out his lineup for the regular season finale next week against the Denver Broncos without any stakes.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on his availability for Week 18: ‘I’ll prepare regardless’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes comments on his availability for Week 18: ‘I’ll prepare regardless’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ victory on Christmas Day clinched the top seed in the AFC and bye week in the postseason, leaving no standings incentive for Week 18. Patrick Mahomes spoke with reporters after Wednesday’s game, looking ahead to next week’s regular-season finale and rest time before the postseason.

“It’s just gonna be nice getting guys healthy. I think this was the earliest bye (week) I’ve ever had, just in general, so to have this grind of whatever it is, we had a bye like week six. So it’s almost 10 weeks of just football and grinding in this short schedule at the very end of the year.” said Mahomes. “We got some guys banged up and to get them back healthy now, and we’ll see how week 18 goes, and who plays and who doesn’t play. That’s up to Coach (Reid). But even getting this little break, getting back healthy, and then getting ourselves ready for the playoffs was super important, especially with the guys we have banged up.”

Mahomes has dealt with multiple ankle injuries throughout the season and is still willing to play against the Denver Broncos in Week 18 but leaves that decision up to head coach Andy Reid.

“That’s completely up to Coach. I mean, I’ll prepare regardless either way,” said Mahomes. “I mean, Denver (Broncos) is probably going to be a playoff team regardless, so I’m going to prepare for them like I’m going to start, and if Coach wants me to go out there and play, I’ll go out there and play. If he doesn’t, I’ll sit back. I have full trust that coach (Andy) Reid knows what he’s doing, and he’s done it for a long time.”

Mahomes has finished the season playing his best football and could potentially not play again until the divisional round. Reid will likely decide to sit several veterans, as preservation will be key before starting the postseason journey.

WATCH: Grammy winning group Pentatonix brings house down with National Athem at Texans game

Award-winning musical group Pentatonix brought down the house with their National Anthem performance before the Houston Texans game.

Before Wednesday’s Christmas game showdown between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens went underway, America was honored by the sounds of literal angels.

Well, at least some people think Pentatonix sounds angelic.

The Grammy Award-winning acapella group took to the field, delivering a breathtaking rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” that left audiences on Netflix in awe. From their flawless harmonies to their pristine power coursing through each directly executed note, their beautiful tones captivated not just NRG Stadium, but also added a special touch to the holiday afternoon.

Check out a clip of their performance below:

With a win, the Texans would secure their second 10-win season under DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud in as many seasons. The Texans trail 10-2 entering the opening minutes of the second quarter.

Texans vs. Ravens inactives list: Is WR John Metchie III playing?

Here’s who’s in and out for the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Diontae Johnson out,

John Metchie III in.

The third-year Houston Texans receiver is active for Wednesday’s Christmas showdown as the AFC South champions welcome in the Baltimore Ravens as part of a doubleheader on Netflix.

Metchie, who missed Saturday’s 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a shoulder injury, returned to practice at full speed Monday. He was cleared to return based on Tuesday’s injury report, but the inactive list shows he’s cleared to go.

Metchie will be the focal point in the slot and the No. 2 weapon for C.J. Stroud opposite Nico Collins with Tank Dell sidelined for the remainder of the year. Dell, who was on pace for a better second year, suffered a dislocated knee, torn ACL, MCL and LCL, along with several other minor ailments during the third quarter of Saturday’s loss at Kansas City.

He’s expected to miss the majority of the 2025 season as he’ll require multiple surgeries from now until next season.

Johnson, who was claimed off waivers on Monday, will suit up for Houston in Week 18, but the timing wasn’t enough to get him on the field.

Linebacker Devin White, who was inactive the last two games, is also inactive.

Former Texans returner Steven Sims, who was claimed off waivers earlier this week, is active and should return punts against his former team at a stadium he knows well.

Here’s the remaining inactives for both the Texans and Ravens. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm.

Houston Texans (9-6)

Baltimore Ravens (10-5)

Is Zay Flowers playing today vs. Texans? Injury updates for Ravens WR

The Houston Texans could be taking on one of the league’s most slept-on receivers on Wednesday when the Baltimore Ravens arrive for Christmas Day.

Zay Flowers is to Lamar Jackson what Nico Collins is to C.J. Stroud: a giving gift this holiday season.

Despite speculation of his status for Wednesday’s showdown at NRG Stadium, the Baltimore Ravens second-year receiver should be good to go come kickoff against the Houston Texans.

Here’s the latest surrounding Flowers’ status entering Christmas afternoon. 

Zay Flowers injury update

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Ravens’ No. 1 target is expected to play in his team’s Week 17 Christmas Showdown against the Texans.

Flowers was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Tuesday afternoon before the team departed for Houston that evening. 

While the former Boston College star didn’t practice on Sunday and Monday, he returned to practice on Tuesday in a limited capacity, giving reason for optimism that he could be cleared.

The Ravens have already clinched a playoff berth following last week’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but another victory inches them closer to securing a division title for the second straight season.

Zay Flowers stats

Slowing down Flowers should be Houston’s top priority for Wednesday’s contest. He’s having a surging sophomore season with a team-leading 109 targets, 71 receptions, 1,016 yards and four touchdown catches.

As for the Texans, they’ll be down to one weapon following a season-ending knee injury to Tank Dell. The second-year target caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud in Week 16’s loss against the Kansas City Chiefs but suffered a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments.

Dell’s expected to miss a majority —if not all of —the 2025 NFL season as he’ll undergo multiple surgeries from now until the end of next year. 

Newly acquired receiver Diontae Johnson, who was claimed off waivers from the Ravens on Monday, is not expected to play.

The Texans and Ravens will kick off at 3:30 p.m. CT Wednesday on Netflix.

Will new Texans WR Diontae Johnson play vs. former team on Christmas?

Diontae Johnson might be headed to Houston, but will the Texans have him suit up on Wednesday to take on his former team?

Diontae Johnson might be a member of the Houston Texans, but his impact on Wednesday’s Christmas matchup against his former team could be scarce.

One could argue that it’ll be invisible.

With the Texans being on a short week and Johnson being claimed off waivers Monday afternoon, it seems unlikely that the former Baltimore Ravens pass-catcher will see action against Lamar Jackson and the AFC North franchise at NRG Stadium.

When asked about adding a receiver following a season-ending injury to Tank Dell, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said it wasn’t off the table, though it would be challenging to get them involved in a gameplan by the end of Tuesday’s walkthrough.

“It’s hard to add anyone when we play in two days,” Ryans said Monday. “It’s unrealistic that someone is coming in and playing for us on Wednesday. We’re rolling with what we have and what we have is good. I really like all of our guys.”

Johnson, 29, was waived by the Ravens last week after he refused to play in their Week 13 game against the Eagles. He spent seven weeks with the team but only played in four games.

Still, the Texans are hopeful they’ll get the version of Johnson Baltimore traded for back in October amid a playoff run over the next month. Talent-wise, he’s a reliable target capable of turning into a quality No. 1 threat in any passing attack.

Before being traded to Baltimore, Johnson served as the Carolina Panthers’ top target, hauling in 30 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. He also collected over 100 receptions and 1,110 yards during the 2021 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ryans said that while the loss of Dell stings, he likes the talent returning behind Nico Collins at receiver on a short week. John Metchie III is expected back after missing Saturday’s game with a shoulder injury.

“[I] like how our guys work and they understand what we’re asking of them and we’re going to go out and compete,” Ryans said.

A 2019 third-round pick out of Toldeo, Johnson has totaled 422 receptions for 4,726 yards and 28 touchdowns in six seasons with the Steelers, Panthers and Ravens.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses playing on Christmas Day: ‘It’s an honor’

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes discusses playing on Christmas Day: ‘It’s an honor’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed playing on Christmas Day for the second consecutive year during Monday’s press conference.

“I think with the short week and how this kind of worked out, I didn’t. You don’t even realize how close you are to Christmas other than when you go home and there are presents under the tree,” said Mahomes. “So, we’re all hands on deck, super focused on Pittsburgh, and understanding how great a challenge it will be. Then, get on the flight and fly in there. So I feel like a regular game, and hopefully, you can go out there and get a win. You can come home and have a few extra days to celebrate Christmas with the family if that’s going home or in Kansas City.”

The Chiefs and each team that played on Saturday will star on Netflix’s debut NFL coverage on Christmas Day as part of the ‘NFL Holiday Remix.’ Mahomes described his mindset after learning that he would play again on Christmas Day.

“It was definitely exciting until I realized it was on Wednesday. “said Mahomes. “I think it is really cool playing the first Netflix game on Christmas Day in front of the whole nation. It’s an honor, so we’ll go out there trying to do what we can not to have the same experience we had last Christmas. But as I said, it’s a great football team, and I’ll be a great challenge.”

The Chiefs were beaten last year at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, marking their previous loss of the year on the way to winning Super Bowl LVIII.

Previewing Chiefs’ Week 17 game vs. Steelers on Chiefs Wire Podcast

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: @EdEastonJr’s chats w/ Chris Maxey, Hunter King and Tyler Hynes #KCvsPIT

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week, we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs Week 17 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. spoke to actors Hunter King and Tyler Hynes, the stars of a new Hallmark movie called ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.’ King and Hynes explained the film’s romantic Christmas story and talked about the inspiration they gained from the franchise and Chiefs Kingdom while developing their on-screen characters.

We check in with this past week’s press conferences, which featured comments from tight end Noah Gray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins about the unusual schedule of three games in ten days. Lastly, Easton Jr. spoke to Xavier Worthy’s high school coach, Chris Maxey, about his special gift from the Chiefs rookie before last April’s NFL Draft and his humble beginnings.

The latest episode of the Chiefs Wire Podcast will inform listeners about all developments in the team’s mindset ahead of their matchup against the Steelers on a short holiday turnaround in Week 17. We also learn more from King and Hynes filming with multiple current and former Chiefs players, Donna Kelce’s performance, and the movie’s potential superstitious impact on the matchup with the Steelers. At the same time, Maxey discusses the importance of Worthy’s jersey number, his influence on the future, and how his humble personality fits in with the Kansas City community.

Check out the link below to get your fill of Chiefs talk ahead of Wednesday’s Christmas Day kickoff: