Tag: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans

Chiefs get much-welcomed addition to WR room before Week 16 matchup against Texans

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is set to make his 2024 NFL debut on Saturday against the Houston Texans.

Lights. Camera. End zone.

That’s what Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will be targeting in Week 16’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

The Kansas City Chiefs have activated Bronw off the injured reverse ahead of Saturday’s contest at Arrowhead Stadium. Barring any setbacks, the veteran receiver will make his 2024 debut against the AFC South Champions.

Brown, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason with Kansas City, hasn’t since suffering a sternoclavicular injury on the first play of the first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had surgery and was in rehab before returning to practice for the first time last week.

The former first-round pick returned to practice earlier this week and has been a full participant in drills. On Thursday, the Chiefs took Brown off the injury report.

“He got out there, and he was rolling around,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters. “I think more than anything, it’s him getting back in football shape. I mean, it’s just different than training and stuff like that. And then him being able to feel confident enough to go out there and take hits, which he’s been cleared to do.”

In his final season with the Arizona Cardinals, Brown caught 51 passes for 574 yards and four touchdowns.  His best season came for the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 when he caught 91 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

DeMeco Ryans makes it clear on who the Texans must stop in Kansas City

The Texans know everything for Saturday’s game plan comes to down to stopping Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.

The Houston Texans’ biggest weakness on offense remains the interior offensive line.

That might be the selling point for Vegas since it’s the Kansas City Chiefs’ top defensive strength.

Chris Jones is waiting at Arrowhead Stadium for his chance to take down C.J. Stroud as the Texans finish their preparation for Saturday’s game.

He already has five sacks on the year and is looking to double his total against Houston’s front five.

While the defense must be prepared to slow down Patrick Mahomes, DeMeco Ryans knows his team is in trouble if it can’t stop the two-time All-Pro defensive tackle.

“Make sure you know where ’95’ is at all times,” Ryans said Tuesday. “Chris is an outstanding player, size, strength, pass rusher ability. Not only inside, he lines up outside, can get in on the edge as well, does a great job of batting passes down. He just totally impacts the game for them, and you see why he has been a dominant defensive tackle in this league. His pure will, strength, everything about him. He is just a great player.”

Jones, 30, might not have the same sack totals as his breakout 2022 campaign, but his versatility makes him almost impossible to prepare for. This season, most of his success has come on the edge when attacking quarterbacks.

All five of his sacks have come aligned at the edge. When lined up at defensive tackle, he’s been winning against the run, totaling 11 QB hits and seven tackles for loss.

“No one can fall asleep on ’95,'” Ryans said. “You have to make sure you are aware. You have to go challenge him and you have to go compete. That is what this game is about and that is what I am most excited about, they have really good players, they have good players. Let’s put the ball down, compete and see what happens.”

The Texans offensive line has allowed 45 sacks this season, though only 17  have come off the edge. The rest comes from the interior, which could be better improved now with Tytus Howard shifted to guard.

Howard, who played Jones during his rookie season when the Texans took on Kansas City in the AFC Divisional Round, remembers how violent the do-it-all defensive lineman is when given his chance to strike.

“You gotta lock him down,” Howard said. “It’s the same thing. He’s a good player. I gotta go out there and do what I can do. I’m confident in what I can do so, gotta go out there and have a good game.”

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

All 32 NFL teams (including the Texans) ranked by FPI ratings

Here’s where the Houston Texans rank among all 32 NFL rosters based on their FPI rankings entering Week 16.

Fifteen weeks into the season, the Houston Texans (9-5) have a -0.9 Football Power Index (FPI) rating from ESPN, which ranks 12th in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs (13-1), who play host to the Texans in Week 16, are ranked 10th with a 1.0 FPI rating.

FPI is “a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season,” according to ESPN.com. “FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule.”

So with that background in mind, here’s a look at how the league’s 32 teams stack up based on FPI going into Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season.

  1. Detroit Lions (12-2): 8.4
  2. Buffalo Bills (12-3): 7.3
  3. Green Bay Packers (10-4): 6.8
  4. Baltimore Ravens (9-5): 6.6
  5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-2): 5.1
  6. Minnesota Vikings (12-2): 3.5
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6): 2.6
  8. San Francisco 49ers (6-8): 2.6
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4): 1.3
  10. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1): 1.0
  11. Washington Commanders (9-5): 0.9
  12. Houston Texans (9-5): 0.9
  13. Los Angeles Rams (8-6): 0.8
  14. Arizona Cardinals (7-7): 0.7
  15. Miami Dolphins (6-8): 0.3
  16. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8): -0.0
  17. Los Angeles Chargers (8-6): -0.0
  18. New York Jets (4-10): -0.3
  19. Seattle Seahawks (8-6): -0.9
  20. Denver Broncos (9-5): -1.2
  21. Chicago Bears (4-10): -1.7
  22. Tennessee Titans (3-11): -2.1
  23. Indianapolis Colts (6-8): -3.0
  24. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12): -3.9
  25. Atlanta Falcons (7-7): -4.4
  26. New England Patriots (3-11): -5.3
  27. Dallas Cowboys (6-8): -5.8
  28. Cleveland Browns (3-11): -5.9
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-11): -6.0
  30. New Orleans Saints (5-9): -6.9
  31. New York Giants (2-12): -8.5
  32. Carolina Panthers (3-11): -10.1

The Texans will aim to improve their rating when they face the reigning Super Bowl champions on Saturday at noon CT. Houston remained idle in the FPI rankings since last week.

Saturday’s game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Texans odds: Houston opens as slight road underdog against Kansas City

The Houston Texans hit the road as an underdog against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16.

Fresh off securing a second consecutive AFC South division title, the Houston Texans hit the road on a short week to take on the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 16.

With a win, Houston would inch closer to securing the No. 3 seed in the AFC postseason picture.

Houston (9-5) enters Saturday’s showdown a 3-point road underdog against Kansas City (13-1) according to odds from BetMGM. The over/under for points is currently set at 42. 

The Texans are preparing for two different quarterbacks as they begin prep. Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns and is expected to be listed as “week-to-week.”

“I want to be able to move. I want to be able to get out of the way. [Houston’s] is a good pass rush, a good defense. They fly around,” Mahomes said Tuesday. “You don’t want to go out there and put yourself in harm’s way. Obviously, it’s football and you’re going to take hits, but you want to be able to protect yourself. So that’ll be where I’m at and I don’t want to limit the game plan.

“It’s about me finding that balance and seeing where I’m at … I won’t know until kind of close to the end of this week.”

Should the Texans win, they would hold head-to-head victories over Kansas City and Buffalo should the records be the same. On Wednesday, the Texans face off against Baltimore, which could win the AFC North with victories over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. 

If Houston were to win all three outings, it would at worst, be the No. 3 seed in the playoff, thus leading to a potential second game at NRG Stadium in the AFC Divsional Round.

Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.  The game will be nationally televised on NBC. 

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reveals plans for Texans game while fighitng injury

The three-time Super Bowl MVP is going to try his best to secure a win over the Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes still isn’t at 100% after suffering a high ankle sprain in last Sunday’s victory over the Cleveland Browns.

That doesn’t mean he won’t play Saturday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium when the Houston Texans arrive for a potential AFC playoff preview.

“We have a little bit of room to kind of spare, but at the end of the day, we’re trying to win,” Mahomes told reporters when asked about his status. “We’re trying to win the football game and I’m a competitor. I want to go out there and play, so I’ll push myself to get to the best place possible over these next few days and we’ll be able to make a decision then.”

The Chiefs are already on a short week with Saturday’s regular-season home finale. Worst of all, it’ll only continue entering the following weekend.

After playing host to Houston, Kansas City hits the road four days later for a Christmas outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. With that in mind, the Chiefs could start former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz and give Mahomes a few extra days of rest before facing off against two fellow playoff-bound teams.

“I’m not going to put our team in a bad position. If I feel like I can play and go out there and win a football game, I’ll play,” Mahomes said. “And if I don’t feel like that’s the best-case scenario, I’ll let guys like Carson play. He’s a guy that’s winning this league as well, so it’s just about pushing it this week, seeing where I’m at and making the best decision.'”

Houston, which clinched the AFC South on Sunday, could rest several starters, including running back Joe Mixon, who suffered an ankle injury and was limited for the second half at NRG Stadium.

Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Chiefs vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Tuesday

Here’s the injury report from Tuesday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs

Here are the full injury reports ahead of the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs matchup at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 16.

According to the Texans PR staff,  Houston conducted a walkthrough on Tuesday, December 17. The injury report is only an estimation of a player’s participation if there was a full practice.

Houston Texans (9-5)

Did not practice

  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)
  • WR John Metchie III (shoulder)
  • LB De’Shaw Phillips (foot)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (ankle)
  • TE Cade Stover (illness)
  • QB Davis Mills (illness)

Limited participation

  • RB Joe Mixon (rest)

Full practice

  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder)

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

Did not practice

  • OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring)
  • DB Chamarri Conner (concussion)

Limited participation

Full practice

  • WR Hollywood Brown (shoulder)
  • OL Creed Humphrey (ankle)
  • K Harrison Bader (knee)
  • QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
  • OT Jawaan Taylor (knee)

Here how the Texans plan to handle Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes’ injury

The Houston Texans are preparing for Kansas City regardless of Patrick Mahomes’ status for the game on Saturday.

Patrick Mahomes’ status for Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans is now in jeopardy.

Second-year coach DeMeco Ryans isn’t worried about that. He cares about playing the Kansas City Chiefs.

“We’re preparing for the Chiefs,” Ryans said Monday. “A lot of the light shines on Patrick. But if you watch the Chiefs, their defense is an outstanding unit. They do a really good job defensively. (Defensive coordinator Steve) Spagnuolo has done a great job.”

The three-time Super Bowl MVP is currently listed as “week-to-week” following an ankle injury suffered in Kansas City’s 21-7 road win over the Cleveland Browns.

During a fourth-down pass attempt, Mahomes was sacked by Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who landed on his lower half after the play. He then hobbled off the field and did not return to close out the game.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes could have returned, but x-rays showed that the face of the NFL is dealing with a mild high-ankle sprain. Kansas City’s already clinched the AFC West and remains two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills for first place in the conference, so missing a game wouldn’t be the worst thing for Mahomes in the long run.

Regardless of whether the Kansas City passer takes the field at Arrowhead Stadium, Ryans’ thought is on winning and bettering Houston’s chances for a higher seed in the playoffs.

“I really can’t focus on it or be concerned about it,” Ryans said. “Coach (Andy) Reid and the offense, they’re going to find a way no matter who’s there, and they’ll find a way to move the football. So, we just have to be on it in all areas of the game whether Patrick is there or not.”

Should Mahomes be ruled out, Kansas City would likely put its faith in former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz, who filled in for the final eight minutes of Sunday’s contest and completed both pass attempts.

While Wentz should be considered a decent backup, history would be more on Houston’s side in its first trip back to Kansas City since 2020. Since Mahomes took over as the full-time quarterback, the Chiefs are 87-23. Without him, they’re 2-2.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Best NFL underdog picks and predictions for Week 15

Analyzing NFL Week 15 betting odds and lines, with expert predictions and picks of the 3 best underdogs to cash in on.

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In Week 14 last week, 5 underdogs on the moneyline picked up upset wins — the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Five covered the spread as underdogs.

Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s NFL odds and lines, and tab the best NFL Week 15 underdog bets to cash in on among SportbookWire’s NFL expert picks and predictions.

My underdog picks last week again went 1-2 as the New York Jets covered the spread against the Buffalo Bills, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were no match for the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals were beaten by the New England Patriots after QB Kyler Murray was lost for the season with a torn ACL.

On the season, my underdog picks are 19-23.

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NFL underdog predictions: Week 15

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at Thursday at 1:23 p.m. ET. All games Sunday and ET unless noted.

Kansas City Chiefs at HOUSTON TEXANS +14 (-115) –1 p.m. (CBS)

The Texans have lost by more than 14 points only once in the last 7 weeks. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys by only 4 points last week, losing a lead late in the 4th quarter.

The Chiefs are only 3-9-1 ATS on the season and managed to beat the 3-10 Denver Broncos by only 6 last week. They have 3 wins by more than 14 points but only 1 in their last 6 games.

Check out: All Week 15 odds and lines

Cincinnati Bengals at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS +3.5 (-110) – 4:25 (CBS)

After Tampa escaped with a win over the Saints, they were completely dominated by the 49ers 35-7. It was never close. Of course, that was going against the league’s No. 1 defense.

Cincinnati’s defense is 11th in points allowed (20.4 ppg) and 14th in yards (331.1 ypg), and they are only 20th against the pass (220.1 ypg), so QB Tom Brady will be able to get things going.

Tampa’s pass defense is 6th in the league so the Bucs will make things difficult for Joe Burrow. 

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

NEW YORK GIANTS +4.5 (-110) at Washington Commanders – 8:20 p.m. (NBC)

These teams met 2 weeks ago and ended in a tie. Four of their last 5 meetings have been decided by 3 or fewer points.

The Giants have not won in their last 4 games. Washington has not lost in its last 4.

The Giants are 9-4 ATS on the season.

Want action on any of these NFL underdogs or other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Want to win your survivor pool? Who to take in Week 15

Breaking down the best strategies of how to win your NFL survivor pool as the season continues into Week 15.

NFL survivor pools are ending. A wacky year of results almost culminated in Week 14 with a Dallas Cowboys loss as 16.5-point favorites against the Houston Texans. Thank you, Lovie Smith, for bailing us out. Now we must find our way through another week of landmines and get to the promised land.

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

– All games Sunday and ET unless noted

The chalk: Kansas City Chiefs

Who they play: at Houston Texans – 1 p.m. (CBS)

We took Dallas against the Texans last week and it almost cost us. I do not see lightning striking twice. Especially with Dameon Pierce being downgraded to doubtful for this game.

If Pierce does not play, it will be hard for Houston to get anything done on offense. Brandin Cooks and Niko Collins missed last week. If both top receivers miss Week 15, the Texans will have no way to move the ball.

The Texans defense is young and they do not have the power to hold up to the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. This game could get ugly quickly and coast to the end. We wish high school rules applied and we could get a running clock for the 2nd half. Kansas City is my favorite NFL Survivor Pool play in Week 15.

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Off the board: Cincinnati Bengals

Who they play: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 4:25 p.m. (CBS)

Tampa Bay looked terrible in a 35-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy on Sunday. In only his 2nd game ever in the Bay Area where he grew up, Tom Brady looked like a 45-year-old QB again, something which has been happening far too often this season. Brady played his 1st game in the NFL before Purdy was even born

Coming back home to Tampa Bay will be good for the Buccaneers, but having to face the suddenly hot Bengals will not be a happy homecoming.

Despite losing WRs Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd early in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati still won 23-10. Ja’Marr Chase had 10 receptions for 119 yards and 1 TD.

Joe Burrow has shown in recent weeks and in the past 2 years that he has a different demeanor then most. Joe Cool brings his game up a notch at the end of seasons and into the playoffs. With Tampa Bay on the down slide and the Bengals peaking at the perfect time, Cincinnati will go into the pirate ship and come out with its own booty. A win.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Others to consider

Philadelphia Eagles: At Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET (FOX).

Buffalo Bills: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network).

Want action on any of these games or other sports matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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