Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes plummet after losing to Houston Texans
Houston stuns Kansas City in a bruising Sunday night game that leaves the hosts clinging to faint playoff hopes.
Houston walked into Arrowhead Stadium needing a win, and the visitors delivered. Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City took a heavy blow in a 20–10 loss on Sunday Night Football in Week 14, a result that wipes away their hopes of a divisional title and sharply reduces their chances of reaching the postseason.
CJ Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown to running back Woody Marks while guiding Houston’s offense with authority. Dare Ogunbowale added a rushing score, and wideout Nico Collins shined with four catches for 121 yards. Houston’s defense played its part as well, shutting down the hosts’ rhythm and dictating the game for long stretches.
Mahomes completed just 14 of 33 passes for 160 yards with no touchdowns, absorbing three interceptions and two sacks. It marked the second time this regular season that Kansas City failed to score in the first half – they trailed 10–0 at the break.
Kansas City suffered two significant losses due to injury, left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie; the defense’s strong performance in the second half, which thwarted the Texas attack, was noteworthy, but the offense failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Following the loss, the Chiefs fell to 6-7, their worst record in 13 games since starting 2-11 in the 2012 season; now, the Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers next week, while the Texans will be hosting the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium.
The hosts also lost left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie to injury, further complicating their night. Kansas City’s defense steadied after halftime and slowed Houston’s progress, but the offense never capitalized on the openings it created.
The loss drops the Chiefs to 6–7, their worst 13-game start since beginning 2–11 in 2012. They now host the Los Angeles Chargers next week, while Houston returns home to welcome the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium.
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