This Chiefs team is just the personification of “next man up.” Missing defensive stud Justin Houston and star running back Jamaal Charles, they went down by as many as 21 points to the San Diego Chargers. But none of that mattered. They got their act together just in time to stage an amazing 33-27 comeback win in overtime.
“Game manager” Alex Smith came through with a huge offensive performance, going 34-of-48 for 363 yards with two passing touchdowns. He also ran for the winning score in overtime. Speaking of huge offensive performances, Spencer Ware came up with his best Jamaal Charles impersonation with 199 yards from scrimmage on just 18 touches.
The Chiefs could have Charles back in time for their trip to Texas, which would give them quite a one-two punch in the backfield. But even if they don’t get Charles back, this Chiefs offense has shown it can put points on the board against the Texans D. Travis Kelce has been a big reason for the Chiefs’ success. The tight end had 234 yards on 14 catches with two touchdowns in two meetings against Houston last season, both Chiefs wins.
Kansas City’s defense is still working through some issues like the loss of corner Sean Smith and the absence of Houston. But the Chiefs pass rush will face a Texans line still missing left tackle Duane Brown, and could be able to put a bit more pressure on Brock Osweiler.
You better believe the Houston Texans have revenge on their minds. The Texans were flat-out humiliated at home in their playoff meeting with the Chiefs last season as they were shut-out, 30-0. But there are a bunch of reasons for the Texans to be optimistic this time around.
For one, their quarterback is no longer Brian Hoyer, who had a four-interception meltdown in that playoff game. His replacement, Brock Osweiler, should be a marked upgrade by simply avoiding that catastrophe. He had a solid showing in his debut, going for 231 yards with two touchdowns to lead the Texans to a 23-14 win over the Chicago Bears.
Aside from an upgrade at quarterback, they also have a legitimate starting running back again. After running out Jonathan Grimes and Alfred Blue in that playoff game due to Arian Foster’s injury, they now have Lamar Miller to provide a threat on the ground. Miller had 106 yards on 28 carries in his debut against the Bears, the lone player to top 100 rushing yards through Sunday’s games.
Osweiler and Miller will lead the Texans offense against a Chiefs defense that won’t be as fearsome as it was last season. Their secondary, in particular, is still a work in progress, and the Texans have the receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller (107 yards with a touchdown in his NFL debut) to exploit that potential weakness.
Meanwhile, the Texans’ D, which was ranked No. 8 per DVOA last season, remains as solid as ever. Their pass defense held the Bears’ Jay Cutler to just 16-of-29 for 214 yards.
Writer’s Prediction
The Texans (-2) have too much for the Chiefs to overcome this time around. Houston wins at home, 21-17.
