The Houston Texans divisional round match-up against the Kansas City Chiefs takes place on Sunday at 2:05 pm central time. The Texans are coming off a 22-19 overtime Wild Card win against the Buffalo Bills. There may have been questionable calls throughout the game. But, Houston advanced and will play the Chiefs on Sunday. The winner advances to the AFC Championship against either the Tennessee Titans or Baltimore Ravens.
Houston and Kansas City played in the Wild Card Round in 2016. The end result for the Texans was not what they had hoped for.
When the Texans and Chiefs played on October 13, Houston came away with the 31-24 win. This time around the game is at prestigious Arrowhead Stadium again. The deafening crowd could be a factor, as it always is for opposing teams. These two franchises have NFL playoff history, too. Can the Texans beat Kansas City for the second time this year to advance to their first-ever AFC Championship?
Here are three keys to a Houston Texans victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Houston Texans Divisional Round Keys to Victory
Deshaun Watson is Key to a Texans Win
First and foremost, the Texans’ chances of winning or losing depend on Deshaun Watson. The third-year signal-caller has been efficient for the Texans down the stretch (with the exception of Week 17). Going into the game Sunday, Watson has to make critical decisions when in the passing aspect. The Chiefs’ defense will do everything they can to catch Watson off guard. Just like the Wild Card game, the Texans’ leader has to make quick decisions. Facing a difficult defensive front in the Chiefs will be no easy task.
The Texans quarterback will have to play his best game statistically to lead Houston to victory. With Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins as receivers, Watson has his top targets to pass to. But, as we saw against Buffalo, scrambling out of the pocket could prove to be another factor. With the Chiefs’ defense solid against the rush, Watson might have to rely on his passing to stay in the game.
Will Fuller V is Key at Wide Receiver
Will Fuller V is back for the Texans. He didn’t catch a single pass in the Wild Card Game. But, going into Sunday, Fuller could be a factor. Considering that he will play, having him back gives Houston a boost. The receiver has been out with injuries and didn’t see the field much last week. Expect Deshaun Watson to target him a few times if he is a full go.
Texans Defense Must Stop Patrick Mahomes
Ever since he came into the league, Patrick Mahomes has been a tough guy to bring down. His elusiveness and quick speed allow him to escape the pocket in crucial situations. The Texans’ defense has to find a way to contain him and make Kansas City a one-dimensional offense. If Houston can put pressure on the Chiefs’ leader early, that would make Kansas City have to rethink their scheme.
Getting to Mahomes early will play a key role in the Texans’ defensive efficiency. If Houston wants to advance, they have to make a path to stop Mahomes and the Chiefs explosive offense.
