What we learned from Chiefs' playoff win vs. Texans

Jesse Newell, The Kansas City Star on Jan 18, 2025

Published in Football

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to the AFC championship game, riding the performance of a trusted veteran.

Yes, it sure looks like a few weeks off did 35-year-old Travis Kelce some good.

The Chiefs tight end had his best game of the season — going over 100 yards with a touchdown — as the Chiefs took a 23-14 home victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon in the AFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

One of his biggest moments came early in the fourth quarter, as on third-and-goal from the 11, he slithered his way to an opening in the end zone. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes found him — while leaping forward to avoid a sack — with Kelce staying motionless for the TD catch as the Chiefs regained an eight-point lead.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up constant pressure on the ensuing possession to help KC secure the win. On a fourth-and-10, Chiefs edge rusher George Karlaftis came through with the drive-killer, sacking Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud for a 16-yard loss and the change of possession.

The teams traded punts before KC running back Kareem Hunt broke free for a pair of long runs. That set up a 27-yard Harrison Butker field goal with 4 minutes, 38 seconds left, giving the Chiefs a 23-12 lead and essentially a sealed game.

It wasn’t always pretty for KC. Houston established the run early with Joe Mixon, and Stroud made clutch throws while gashing the Chiefs with passes over the middle of the field.

Mahomes (16 for 25, 177 yards, TD) also didn’t have his best game. He especially seemed impacted by the windy conditions early on a cold night — with northerly gusts surpassing 20 mph — while not settling in completely until the second half.

The Chiefs persevered, advancing to their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game — with six of those coming in Kansas City.

Kelce finished with seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, KC’s defense registered eight sacks, with three coming from Karlaftis.

The Chiefs led 13-6 at halftime, fueled by a few big plays.

One was on the opening kickoff, as KC return specialist Nikko Remigio sprinted 63 yards down the middle for a kickoff return before fumbling; teammate Samaje Perine fell on the football, and Houston’s Kris Boyd made things worse for his team by chucking his helmet for a 13-yard penalty.

The Chiefs offense couldn’t capitalize for a touchdown, but Butker’s 32-yard field goal still put KC ahead to start.

Later, it was Kelce breaking free. He caught a pass over the middle and broke two tackles, running 49 yards to put his team inside the 10.

Hunt — playing his first playoff game with the Chiefs since 2018 — finished the possession with a 1-yard score for the only touchdown of the half.

Houston trailed by seven at the break despite leading KC in yards (174-123), first downs (eight to seven) and yards per play (5.8 to 5.1).

KC had a scary play midway through the fourth quarter when safety Justin Reid collided with teammate Jaylen Watson while taking a blow on his head and neck. Reid remained on the turf for about a minute before walking to the sideline with trainers, but returned to the field the next drive.

The Chiefs will host either the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game on Sunday, Jan. 26.