Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs had a crushing setback as the playoff chances took a sharp downturn following a 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans. The former Super Bowl champions were stunned at home in a game that has significantly altered their postseason outlook.
Chiefs’ playoff hopes take a major blow after game against Texans
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football, dropping their record to 6-7. Houston took an early 10-0 lead in the second quarter and maintained control throughout the game behind the NFL’s top-ranked defense. Kansas City tied the game 10-10 in the third quarter, but the Texans responded with a six-play touchdown drive following a turnover on downs by the Chiefs. The Texans then extended the lead to 20-10 with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Patrick Mahomes completed 14-of-33 passes for 160 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. He was also sacked twice and hit eight times. Tight end Travis Kelce dropped a pass late in the fourth quarter that was intercepted by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The Chiefs turned the ball over on downs twice in the fourth quarter, contributing to the loss.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Nico Collins recorded four receptions for 121 yards. The Texans’ defense forced three interceptions, including the late fourth-quarter pick that sealed the win.
Following the defeat, the Chiefs’ playoff chances fell to 11% according to NFL.com’s prediction model. Their postseason probability had already dropped to 35% after a 31-28 Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With the loss to Houston, Kansas City is no longer in contention to win the AFC West.
The Texans improved to 8-5 and saw their playoff chances rise to 85%. Kansas City will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, December 14, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium. The matchup is considered a must-win for the Chiefs to remain in postseason contention.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
