Breaking Down Texans-Chiefs Divisional Spherical Matchup

The 2025 Houston Texans are on the precipice of one thing by no means earlier than executed in franchise historical past: win a Divisional Spherical matchup. All that stands of their means is back-to-back Tremendous Bowl champs the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.

Simpler stated than executed.

However let’s get into it. The Chiefs have undeniably cracked the code on how one can win within the NFL. Arrowhead Satisfaction’s latest article on their profitable components, which candidly leaned on QB Patrick Mahomes and all-everything DT Chris Jones.

For a staff with a 15-2 file, their +59 level differential landed them solely tenth. They’ve squeaked by all season lengthy.

Even so, Kansas Metropolis boasts two 2024 All-Execs on the offensive line. The middle-guard pair of Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey have protected Patrick Mahomes nicely all season. Their subject? Second-year sort out Wanya Morris was benched after permitting unrelenting strain on Mahomes, resulting in Joe Thuney quickly transferring to left sort out. The Chiefs signed veteran DJ Humphries to deal with these points, however his personal harm points have hampered his play.

Merely put, the Texans should not solely win, however dominate the Chiefs’ left sort out. It’s Mahomes blind facet, but in addition the Chiefs’ Achilles heel on offense. Stymieing Mahomes’ time to throw will restrict their skill to select an element the Texans protection. On the within, the Texans should maintain their very own towards two All-Execs. Houston incorporates a six-man rotation on the inside. Ageless wonders Denico Autry and Mario Edwards have been elite up entrance towards the Los Angeles Chargers and have to trigger havoc up entrance. Successful the road of scrimmage will buoy the Texans probabilities to upset the Chiefs.

This marks the second-consecutive inclusion on the “First Team” for Thuney, who additionally earned a spot on the “Second Team” in each 2019 and 2022. Thuney ranked second amongst all guards in 2024 when it comes to pass-blocking in line with Professional Soccer Focus, however his late-season efforts at left sort out have been maybe much more impactful. Thuney, regardless of lining up throughout from the likes of edge rushers akin to T.J. Watt, Danielle Hunter and Myles Garrett, didn’t enable a sack in his three begins at left sort out this yr.

The opposite kink within the Chiefs’ armor is their run recreation. There have been seven video games the place they didn’t eclipse 100 yards on the bottom. Of their two losses to Buffalo and Denver, they solely gained 87 yards and 27 yards respectively. As renown for effectivity as Kansas Metropolis is, their run recreation was twenty second within the league. Their dashing assault did enhance up to now six video games, they ran for 95+ yards in all however one contest. If Houston goes to defeat Kansas Metropolis, they’re going to close down Kareem Hunt and Isaiah Pacheco.

The Chiefs passing assault is dying by a thousand cuts. Ten consecutive Professional Bowls for Travis Kelce vaults him into all-time greats territory. He led the Chiefs in targets, receptions, and yards. In opposition to the Texans through the common season, Kelce solely notched 5 catches for 30 yards. Anticipate Kelce to be a featured piece of their offensive gameplan. Houston has higher run stopping linebackers than move defending. Whether or not second yr LB Henry To’oTo’o or third yr LB Christian Harris guard Kelce might be a vital determination.

Search for the Chiefs to place rookie Xavier Worthy within the slot to free him up. The Texans two finest corners play on the skin and are beginning backup Myles Bryant within the slot.

Moreover, cornerback Trent McDuffie was additionally honored with a “Second-Team” choice. He might be tasked with stopping Nico Collins.

Houston showcased their new, more practical offense Saturday towards the Chargers. Gone are the seven-step drops and gradual creating performs. It’s fast passes, verify downs, and slant routes right here on out.

Physique blows. Physique blows. Physique blows.

Stroud solely threw 10 passes past 10 yards downfield and went 50% on these throws together with an interception. As regarding as that’s, it’s the strategic determination primarily based on the dearth of weapons. Though he wasn’t pushing the ball downfield, he additionally wasn’t throwing the ball behind the road of scrimmage. Name it a passive aggression. This tactic might be carried out towards the Chiefs contemplating Saturday was the simplest the offense has appeared all season.

The landing move from C.J. Stroud to Nico Collins illustrates how fast routes and getting the ball out breaks down defenses with pace.

The Texans entrance line is lastly coming into type. (NOTE: author has knocked on wooden, crossed his fingers, and thrown salt over his shoulder). Tytus Howard’s transfer to left guard, rookie Blake Fisher’s insert to proper sort out, and Juice Scruggs shift to proper guard has solidified the offense. Houston has moved to an influence hole scheme. They’ve stopped attempting to duo block and pulling guards. As a substitute they’re working to get to the linebackers and open lanes vertically relatively than horizontally. One of the simplest ways to visualise that is by placing your fingers collectively; as a substitute of pulling your fingers aside left to proper, they’re transferring one hand in entrance of the opposite.

Houston used this to reduce the influence of Khalil Mack, however will it work towards a Chris Jones? Uncertain they’ll be capable of pull this off twice in a row, however as a substitute of investing two gamers to cease Jones, they’ll be investing only one with the objective of not working at him.

I don’t must let you know that beating Kansas Metropolis is a tall, tall job. They’re the kings of the league and are coming off a bye. Houston can’t let their recreation wreckers do exactly that. Attacking the left sort out place, minimizing Chris Jones’ influence, and leaning into the revamped offensive line are the keys to success.