5 issues to observe because the Chiefs host the Texans on Saturday

In Week 16 of the NFL season, the (13-1) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs will host the (9-5) Houston Texans as the 2 groups start a novel stretch of the schedule. They are going to sq. off at midday Arrowhead Time on Saturday. Then each will put together for an additional recreation on Christmas Day — which is on Wednesday.

Just like the Chiefs, the Texans have already clinched one of many AFC’s prime 4 seeds by successful the AFC South. Kansas Metropolis must preserve successful to carry off the (10-3) Buffalo Payments as they struggle for the No. 1 seed. Now within the fourth spot, Houston has an opportunity to maneuver as much as the No. 3 seed by selecting up extra victories.

Will probably be the primary matchup between the Chiefs’ celebrity quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Texans’ second-year franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud. Mahomes was a full participant in apply all week, working by means of the ankle sprain he sustained throughout Sunday’s 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He was not given an harm designation for Saturday’s recreation; he’s anticipated to play.

All of Chiefs Kingdom will probably be keeping track of the two-time MVP. Listed here are 5 different issues to observe on this matchup.

1. Avoiding detrimental performs on offense

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Towards the Browns, the Chiefs shifted left guard Joe Thuney to left deal with and put reserve offensive lineman Mike Caliendo in Thuney’s spot. That association regarded sturdy for many of Sunday’s recreation — however on Saturday, it is going to get one other sturdy check. The Texans have the league’s second-most sacks (45) and stress price (38.2%).

The group is led by two stellar edge defenders: veteran Danielle Hunter has 12 sacks, primarily from the suitable facet of the offensive formation. Second-year EDGE Will Anderson Jr. has 10.5 sacks dashing from all around the defensive entrance.

Defensive deal with Tim Settle — the first inside rusher — additionally has 5 sacks. He feels assured in Houston’s capacity to get to Mahomes.

To maintain its offense in rhythm (and out of hassle), Kansas Metropolis will want a recreation plan much like what it utilized in Cleveland, when it constructed a 21-point lead with impactful runs and robust designs to get gamers open.

In that recreation, Mahomes averted each sacks and turnovers. That may even be necessary towards Houston, which has the league’s third-best turnover differential (+13). It’s additionally essential that Mahomes is stored clear, which would require a dedication from each him and the offensive play-calling to keep away from these conditions.

2. Stifling the Texans’ dedication to run

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In 2024, Houston has used Joe Mixon as a real workhorse working again. Solely two others common extra dashing makes an attempt per recreation than Mixon (19.7).

He’ll face a Chiefs’ protection that’s nonetheless among the finest at stuffing run performs. The Chiefs are tied for permitting the second-fewest yards per carry (3.9). To place quarterback C.J. Stroud into disadvantageous positions, that pattern should proceed; the Texans rank twentieth in third-down conversion price (37.2%).

The defensive entrance’s effort to push the Texans into third-and-long may current actual alternatives to disrupt the pocket. Houston permits the league’s highest quarterback stress price (59%) on third downs of seven or extra yards — and the second-most sacks (16) in these conditions.

3. Taking away C.J. Stroud’s reference to Nico Collins

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Since huge receiver Nico Collins returned from harm in Week 11, the Texans have gained three of 4 video games. The offense has been in a position to preserve the chains transferring as Collins has continued to show he’s one of many NFL’s finest younger receivers.

“He is big and he is fast,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo instructed reporters on Thursday. “Those 50-50 balls, he usually comes down with them… We have faced those type of guys before. Somehow, some way, we have to find a way to pry it out of there. He has some strong hands and a great catch radius; the quarterback has all sorts of confidence in him. There are a couple of routes there that I think they run exceptionally well that we figure we’re going to see.”

Cornerback Trent McDuffie will get a problem much like the one he confronted towards the Denver Broncos’ huge receiver Courtland Sutton. Saturday’s defensive success might come all the way down to how properly the Chiefs can bottle up Collins on essential downs.

4. The return of Hollywood Brown

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All indicators level to the veteran huge receiver returning to motion towards the Texans. Brown injured within the first preseason recreation, however was a full participant in apply this week after being designated to return from the staff’s Reserve/Injured checklist. We count on the staff to activate him to the 53-man roster on Saturday.

This could give the Chiefs’ offense a direct increase within the vertical passing recreation. Up to now this season, Kansas Metropolis has primarily used pass-catchers who can discover zone home windows and make robust catches in area. Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy has been the one receiver creating separation downfield — regardless that he and Mahomes are nonetheless working by means of that connection.

With Brown concerned, Houston should account for his downfield capacity. With each Brown and Worthy on the sphere, they’ll create conflicts within the secondary — which ought to give the Chiefs extra possibilities to hit large performs.

5. Ending off drives

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Ending within the purple zone has been a recurring downside for the Chiefs’ offense — and will probably be essential in defeating the Texans, who’ve allowed touchdowns on 65% of their opponents’ red-zone drives — the league’s fifth-highest price.

Towards the Browns, the Chiefs scored touchdowns on their first two red-zone drives, utilizing artistic schemes and misdirection to fabricate open area for his or her receivers.

Since Houston is lacking linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair attributable to suspension, it ought to be weak. Al-Shaair and security Jalen Pitre — who had season-ending surgical procedure final week — are among the many staff’s finest second-level gamers.

So the Chiefs want to focus on the Texans’ linebackers and safeties in protection — particularly close to the tip zone.