Chiefs DE George Karlaftis shares credit for his performance vs. Texans: ‘A big team win’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis shares credit for his performance vs. Houston #Texans: ‘A big team win’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense provided dominating pressure in their AFC Divisional victory over the Houston Texans. Defensive end George Karlaftis led the pressure, with three sacks of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t want to accept all the praise during his postgame press conference on  Saturday.

“I don’t really like answering personal questions after such a big team win. But just trusting in my coaches and leaning on my vets,” said Karlaftis. “A guy like Chris Jones, a guy like Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap, guys like Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Tershawn Wharton, I could go on and on. What I am is because of those guys – especially (Defensive Line) Coach (Joe) Cullen and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Coach Spags and (Assistant Defensive Line) Coach (Terry) Bradden too.”

Karlaftis led the team with eight sacks during the regular season and carried over his momentum on a cold day at Arrowhead Stadium.

“When you get a sack, it’s a big thing, a big deal – both as a play and as a stat, but also for the morale,” said Karlaftis. “When multiple guys are able to do that when you have 8.0 sacks, that usually gives you a pretty good chance to win.”

The Chiefs defense made plays throughout the game, shutting down potential scoring drives. Karlaftis has become a force that warrants extra attention from offensive lines, which could affect the other pass rushers in the unit.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Texans today: Time, TV channel for AFC Divisional Round

It’s #Chiefs vs #Texans in the NFL playoffs. Here’s how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.

The 2024 NFL postseason is finally here, and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to play the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs on Saturday, January 18.

After taking their first-round bye and getting some well-deserved rest, the Chiefs are in an excellent position to win their matchup against the Texans after defeating Houston in Week 16 of the regular season.

Not all factors will work in Kansas City’s favor, though. The Texans are hot after their blowout win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week, and second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud will make the Chiefs’ defense pay if given time to operate in the pocket.

Here’s how to watch Kansas City’s matchup against Houston, including time, TV schedule, and streaming information:

What channel is Chiefs vs Texans game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: ABC, KMBC (Kansas City)

Start time: 3:30 p.m. CST

Chiefs vs. Texans will be broadcast locally on KMBC (Kansas City) and nationally on ABC in the 2024 AFC Divisional Round.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the game from the booth at Mile High Stadium, with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Chiefs vs Texans on livestream

Streaming options for the game include ESPN+ and FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers. 

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Chiefs vs Texans predictions, picks

The Chiefs are essentially coming off back-to-back bye weeks, so the defending Super Bowl champions will be primed for a good performance. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ playoff persona will be in full effect on Saturday and should provide an easy route to victory for Kansas City.

Despite C.J. Stroud’s rock-solid performance against the Los Angeles Chargers last week, the former Buckeye has yet to perform well in a playoff atmosphere as daunting as Arrowhead Stadium. Stroud may be able to put together a good game, but he will most likely fall short of what is needed to take down the NFL’s top team.

Final score: Chiefs 27, Texans 13

Chiefs schedule 2024

  • Sept. 5: Baltimore (W, 27-20)
  • Sept. 15: Cincinatti (W, 26-25)
  • Sept. 22: at Atlanta (W, 22-17)
  • Sept. 29: at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 17-10)
  • Oct. 7: New Orleans (W, 26-13)
  • Oct. 20: at San Francisco (W, 28-18)
  • Oct. 27: at Las Vegas (W, 27-20)
  • Nov. 4: Tampa Bay (W, 30-24)
  • Nov. 10: Denver (W, 16-14)
  • Nov. 17: at Buffalo (L, 30-21)
  • Nov. 24: at Carolina (W, 30-27)
  • Nov. 29: Las Vegas (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 8: Los Angeles Chargers (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 15: at Cleveland (W, 21-7)
  • Dec. 21: Houston (W, 27-19)
  • Dec. 25: at Pittsburgh (W, 29-10)
  • Jan. 5: at Denver (L, 38-0)
  • Record: 15-2

Texans schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Indianapolis (W, 29-27)
  • Sept. 15: Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Sept. 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Sept. 29: Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
  • Oct. 6: Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 13: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Oct. 20: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Oct. 27: Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 31: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Nov. 10: Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Nov. 18: at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Nov. 24: Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Dec. 1: at Jacksonville (W, 23-20)
  • Dec. 15: Miami (W, 20-12)
  • Dec. 21: at Kansas City (L, 27-19)
  • Dec. 25: Baltimore (L, 31-2)
  • Jan.5: at Tennessee (W, 23-14)
  • Jan. 11 (WC): Los Angeles Chargers (W, 32-12)
  • Record: 10-7

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Chiefs vs. Texans AFC Divisional Round: How to watch, listen and stream

Everything fans need to know to watch the Kansas City #Chiefs’ divisional-round playoff matchup against the Houston #Texans on January 18.

The Kansas City Chiefs are fresh off their first-round playoff bye and gearing up to face the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.

The potential returns of cornerback Jaylen Watson and wide receiver Mecole Hardman could provide a shot in the arm for the Chiefs as the team looks to clear the first hurdle in its quest to secure the NFL’s first-ever Super Bowl three-peat.

After an impressive rookie season, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud remains an impressive signal-caller with tremendous upside. But, the former Ohio State Buckeye will face the most difficult challenge of his career when he faces off against Kansas City at Arrowhead on Saturday.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Below are important game details about this AFC Divisional Round matchup between the Chiefs and Texans:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans

When: Saturday, January 18, 3:30 p.m. CST

Where: Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri

Streaming:

Streaming: NFL+ or ESPN+

Broadcast:

TV: KMBC, ABC (Channel 9)

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Lisa Salters, Laura Rutledge (sideline)

Opponent wire site:

Texans Wire

2024 Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens (W 27-20 ) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
2 Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W 26-25) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 22 @ Atlanta Falcons (W 22-17) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
4 Sunday, Sept. 29 @ Los Angeles Chargers (W 17-10) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
5 Monday, Oct. 7 vs. New Orleans Saints (W 26-13) 7:15 p.m CT on ESPN
6 BYE BYE BYE
7 Sunday, Oct. 20 @ San Francisco 49ers (W 28-18) 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX
8 Sunday, Oct. 27 @ Las Vegas Raiders (W 27-20) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
9 Monday, Nov. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W, 30-24) 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN
10 Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. Denver Broncos (W, 16-14) Noon CT on CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 17 @ Buffalo Bills (L, 30-21) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 24 @ Carolina Panthers (W, 30-27) Noon CT on CBS
13 Friday, Nov. 29 vs Las Vegas Raiders (W, 19-17) 2 p.m. CT on Prime
14 Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers (W, 19-17) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
15 Sunday, Dec. 15 @ Cleveland Browns (W, 21-7) Noon CT on CBS
16 Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. Houston Texans (W, 27-19) Noon CT on NBC
17 Wednesday, Dec. 25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers (W, 29-10) Noon CT on Netflix
18 Sunday, Jan. 5 @ Denver Broncos (L, 38-0) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
AFC Div. Saturday, Jan. 18 vs. Houston Texans 3:30 p.m. CT on ABC

 

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie discusses quick turnaround on matchups vs. Texans: ‘Retain the information’

Kansas City #Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie discusses quick turnaround on matchups vs.#Texans: ‘Retain the information’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs will face a familiar foe in the Divisional Round: the Houston Texans, who are returning to Arrowhead Stadium after playing them in Week 16. All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie shared his thoughts on the returning Texans, who are seeking revenge and an upset this Saturday.

“Being able to retain the information, we just played them, kind of know what they’re about, not the play style and stuff,” said McDuffie. “But it’s the playoffs, so when you come in the playoffs, teams gonna give you their best, give you some new plays, not just run the same things they were playing; last time we played them, it was the whole three games in 10 days.”

McDuffie secured his second interception during the Chiefs’ victory last month as they pressured Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud. He expects Houston to make immediate adjustments for their second matchup.

“So I’m sure they had to simplify a little bit. Coming into this, I mean, we know they’re gonna give us their best shot, especially when we beat them last time,” said McDuffie. “come with the chip on the shoulder coming off a good win last week. So we definitely got to be ready for them.”

McDuffie was named to his second consecutive All-Pro team last week as he leads the secondary.

Houston Texans, former Ohio St. QB sounds off on Cotton Bowl clash with Longhorns

Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud sounds off the Ohio State vs Texas CFP Semifinal in Cotton Bowl, makes bets with Longhorns teammates.

For this week, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud is in enemy territory. The former Ohio State Buckeyes QB lives in Texas, and the state’s flagship school is about to face his alma mater in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.

The Texans are scheduled to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the first game of the 2025 NFL playoffs on Saturday afternoon. But the night before, no doubt Stroud’s attention will be 266 miles to the north when his Buckeyes take on the Longhorns at AT&T Stadium.

Being in Texas, Stroud has certainly heard it from the Texas fans around the team. He told the media he’s already made bets with some teammates.

“A lot of UT guys here, so I got a lot of bets going on,” Stroud said, “If you see some guys in scarlet on Saturday morning you know where it came from.”

There are two former Longhorns on the Texans, defensive back Kris Boyd and practice squad running back Andrew Beck.

Stroud went onto say he’ll also be rooting for a couple of Longhorns to do well.

“One of my best friends actually plays for UT, Silas Bolden,” he said. “You know he had a punt return last week, which was cool. So I’m rooting for him and him only. And I like Quinn (Ewers), too. Quinn was my former teammate. But you know, I’m going Bucks all day.”

 

Patrick Mahomes encouraged C.J. Stroud after Chiefs’ Week 16 win vs. Texans

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes offered words of encouragement to C.J. Stroud after Kansas City’s Week 16 win over the Houston #Texans.

After the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 27-19 in Week 16, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes offered words of encouragement to second-year signal-caller C.J. Stroud.

In a brief interaction after the final whistle blew, Mhomes could be seen embracing Stroud while other players made their way off the field.

Mahomes clearly has a great amount of respect for Stroud, who has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s most exciting young prospects. The sophomore quarterback was able to pass for 244 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas City, but also threw two interceptions in the game.

Take a look at this video of Mahomes’ encounter with Stroud, which was shared by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

While fans will still have to wait to find out whether these two teams will face off again in the postseason, they can rest assured that Mahomes won’t take his second matchup against Stroud and the Texans for granted.

Chiefs vs. Texans: Trent McDuffie snags second career interception

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Trent McDuffie snagged the second interception of his young career against the Houston #Texans in Week 16.

The Kansas City Chiefs are nursing a seven-point halftime lead in their Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans, and have relied on Steve Spagnuolo’s outstanding defense to keep momentum on their side.

Though Houston has done its best to solve the riddle of Spagnuolo’s schemes, Kansas City’s defenders have kept Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on his back foot while also maintaining pressure on their opponent’s running game.

After rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks came down with an interception on the game’s first drive, star cornerback Trent McDuffie got into the action and secured his second career interception before the half.

Take a look at this video of McDuffie’s diving pick, which was posted to Twitter by the Chiefs’ official account:

McDuffie grabbed his first career interception on Sunday in Kansas City’s Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Stay tuned to see if the Chiefs’ secondary can record another interception in the second half.

Chiefs vs. Texans: Rookie DB Jaden Hicks opens game with interception

#Chiefs rookie DB Jaden Hicks intercepted #Texans QB C.J. Stroud on the opening drive of Kansas City’s Week 16 matchup against Houston.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense wasted no time getting the ball into Patrick Mahomes’ hands against the Houston Texans in Week 16, intercepting quarterback C.J. Stroud on the first drive.

The Chiefs’ defense has been among the best in the league this year and is looking to perfect its techniques as the regular season draws to an end.

With cornerback Jaylen Watson out for the remainder of the year, the depth players in Kansas City’s secondary have had to step up and help fill the gap left by the loss of the second-year defender.

Among the players who have risen to the occasion is rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks, who intercepted Stroud on the opening drive of Saturday’s game.

Take a look at the interception, which was posted by the Chiefs’ official Twitter account:

This was Hicks’ second interception in two games and is quickly becoming a key contributor to Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Texans today: Time, TV channel for Week 16

Everything you need to know to tune into the Kansas City #Chiefs’ Week 16 matchup against the Houston #Texans on Saturday, December 21.

The Kansas City Chiefs remain in sole possession of first place in the AFC playoff standings after their victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

The defending Super Bowl champions will look to maintain their conference-best record against the Houston Texans today.

The Texans have been solid this year, and quarterback C.J. Stroud has continued to build on his impressive 2023 campaign.

Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes suffered an injury scare last week that left his status up in the air, but head coach Andy Reid has confirmed he will play in today’s game.

Veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown is also expected to play today after being on injured reserve all season, but don’t bank on a big game from the speedy pass-catcher in his regular-season Chiefs debut.

Here’s how to watch the Chiefs’ Week 16 matchup with the Texans, including time, TV schedule, and streaming information:

What channel is Chiefs vs Texans game on today? Time, TV schedule

TV Channel: NBC

Start time: Noon CST

Chiefs vs. Texans will be broadcast nationally on CBS in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season. Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will call the game from the booth at Arrowhead Stadium, with Kathryn Tappen reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Chiefs vs Texans on livestream

Streaming options for the game include Fubo and Peacock

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Chiefs vs Texans live on Peacock” link=”https://imp.i305175.net/Y9vDoJ”]

Chiefs vs Texans predictions, picks

Chiefs 24, Browns 21: Patrick Mahomes’ ankle continues to be a concern for the Chiefs and will undoubtedly be a factor in today’s game. The reigning Super Bowl MVP is known for his ability to scramble and move around the pocket, but a hurt ankle may prove to limit his mobility. Even after comments by Texans’ defensive tackle Tim Settle earlier this week, Houston’s defensive front doesn’t present much of a threat to Kansas City and shouldn’t keep the Chiefs from securing a win.

Chiefs schedule 2024

  • Sept. 5: Baltimore (W, 27-20)
  • Sept. 15: Cincinatti (W, 26-25)
  • Sept. 22: at Atlanta (W, 22-17)
  • Sept. 29: at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 17-10)
  • Oct. 7: New Orleans (W, 26-13)
  • Oct. 12: Bye
  • Oct. 20: at San Francisco (W, 28-18)
  • Oct. 27: at Las Vegas (W, 27-20)
  • Nov. 4: Tampa Bay (W, 30-24)
  • Nov. 10: Denver (W, 16-14)
  • Nov. 17: at Buffalo (L, 30-21)
  • Nov. 24: at Carolina (W, 30-27)
  • Nov. 29: Las Vegas (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 8: Los Angeles Chargers (W, 19-17)
  • Dec. 15: at Cleveland (W, 21-7)
  • Record: 13-1

Texans schedule 2024

  • Sept. 8: at Indianapolis (W, 29-27)
  • Sept. 15: Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Sept. 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Sept. 29: Jacksonville  (W, 24-20)
  • Oct. 6: Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 13: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Oct. 20: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Oct. 27: Indianapolis (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 31: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Nov. 10: Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Nov. 18: at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Nov. 24: Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Dec. 1: at Jacksonville (W, 23-20)
  • Dec. 15: Miami (W, 20-12)
  • Record: 9-5

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Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo shares his thoughts on the Texans offense: ‘They’re in complete synergy’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo shares his thoughts on the Houston #Texans offense: ‘They’re in complete synergy’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters on Wednesday about his game plan to slow down the Houston Texans’ offense this Saturday.

“They (Texans QB C.J. Stroud and Texans WR Nico Collins) look like they’re in complete synergy (meshes hands together), and not just those two and not just that wideout,” said Spagnuolo. “I think they have a tight end (Texans TE Dalton Schultz) that’s really effective, their slot receivers (Texans WR Tank Dell) really good, and then the running back (Texans RB Joe Mixon), who we saw a lot when he was in Cincinnati –boy, what a find he was for them and he – and not just as a running back. He catches the ball out of the backfield, too.”

The Chiefs defense held the Cleveland Browns to seven points in last Sunday’s 21-7 victory, registering a season-high six takeaways in the process. It marks the club’s first game with six or more takeaways since the team recorded eight takeaways vs. the New York Jets in a Week 3 game in the 2016 season. 

“We hadn’t played the Texans since C.J. (Stroud) had gotten there, so we really hadn’t studied them other than seeing highlights and whatnot, but he’s as impressive as you had heard about people talking. (He’s) really poised for a second-year quarterback, and I think he just has a unique ability to move around in the pocket and still have his eyes downfield.” said Spagnuolo. “He makes a lot of plays slipping in and out of the pocket and finding an open receiver, and when a quarterback can do that, I think that’s pretty dangerous.”

The Texans have clinched a postseason spot this year and will likely host a wild-card game. Kansas City’s last home regular-season game will energize the defense, which will be looking to repeat last week’s performance.