The Texans Wire staff breaks down who they favor in the AFC divisional playoffs with the Kansas City Chiefs. Who is taking Houston? Who is going with the home team? Find out.
Chris Nalls — This is tough once again. The Texans got a win after a very hard fought battle with the Buffalo Bills in last weekends wildcard game. Going off past experiences with the Houston Texans and Bill O’Brien and at this stage of importance for the Texans, I am going to have to go with the Kansas City Chiefs. The stage is just too big yet again for O’Brien and personally cant see the Texans beating the Chiefs twice in one year. Its tough because Deshaun Watson deserves it but ultimately coaching is what will hold them back in this spotlight. Chiefs, 27-17
Andy Yanez — The rematch between Deshuan Watson and Patrick Mahomes will be a must-see quarterback duel. Both defenses have their weaknesses, but have individual stars that can make a game-changing play at any moment. The game might come down to whichever QB has the ball last. Texans, 31-28
Bobby Rondil — Last game Deshaun Watson looked like Superman, carrying the Texans to a 22-19 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. However Watson will meet his kryptonite against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though last time the Texans played the Chiefs they won 31-24 in week six. This Chiefs team is very different mostly on the defensive side of the ball. From weeks 10-17 they were tied with the Baltimore Ravens in allowing the fewest passing touchdowns they also finished the season with 52 sacks which tied them for first in the league. Not to mention the potent offense led by reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes, who leads the sixth ranked total offense. Kansas City is one of the few balanced teams in the playoffs. Chiefs, 30-21
Charles Goldman, managing editor, Chiefs Wire — I feel like Andy Reid and the Chiefs won’t hold anything back this week. He’s seemed tentative to use his most creative plays in all but one game this season, which was Week 14 vs. New England Patriots. The plays in Reid’s playbook that are labeled “in case of emergency break glass” will be available. Chiefs, 35-30
Mark Lane — Will Fuller will play and catch a 53-yard touchdown from Deshaun Watson to mount a comeback. However, Kansas City holds off Houston to the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year. Chiefs, 35-31
Anthony Wood — The Houston Texans are on the doorstep of the AFC Championship, just saying that is still surprising. The Kansas City Chiefs are the overwhelming favourites, with the Texans continuing to be underestimated. Or perhaps correctly estimated. Some will construe their latest wins as luck, defined by moments of magic from individuals rather than as a team. But the way I see it, at the end of the day, a win is a win regardless of how it comes. The Texans enter this matchup with a seemingly healthy-ish Will Fuller back in the lineup as yet another target for Deshaun Watson. More good news for Bill O’Briens side comes in the form of injuries for Andy Reid’s side. The Chiefs are without defensive backs Morris Claiborne and Juan Thornhill, while defensive tackle Chris Jones is questionable. The likes of Tyrann Mathieu and Terrell Suggs are going to have to really step up if they are to contain this Texans offense from another upset like last week. Houston meanwhile is down to their third string safety Mike Adams to partner Justin Reid with Tashaun Gipson and Jahleel Addae both out. Not the end of the world but not ideal for sure. Romeo Crennel’s defense was inconsistent at best against Buffalo and His insistence on playing soft coverage is costing the Texans thanks to their poor tackling of late. They must play tight and cut the missed tackles if they are to contain Damien Williams, Tyreek Hill, and Patrick Mahomes. Texans, 27-24