Pre Game
Heading into a chilly Sunday night in Kansas City, the Chiefs desperately needed to get back into the win column. A heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys the previous week dropped them to an even 6–6 — third in the division and outside the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the 7–5 Houston Texans arrived riding a red-hot four-game win streak. Still, the Chiefs entered as favorites and were expected to take care of business. With a lost we may see the end to one of the greatest dynasties the NFL has seen.
Expected…
First Half
After receiving the opening kick, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense went three-and-out. Houston responded with an early first down and drew a defensive penalty, but a third-down incompletion to Nico Collins ended the drive. The Texans didn’t stay quiet for long. On the first play of their next possession, C.J. Stroud hit Collins for a massive 46-yard catch-and-run, setting Houston up deep in Kansas City territory. The drive stalled, but a 35-yard field goal by Kaʻimi Fairbairn put the Texans in front 3–0.
Photo Cred: SI
WATCH NICO CATCH HERE
Kansas City continued to sputter, managing only three first downs over its first three drives and crossing midfield just once. Houston capitalized, marching 90 yards on a crisp 10-play drive capped by a Willie Marks receiving touchdown to extend the lead to 10–0. Moments later, Mahomes threw an interception on the second play of the ensuing drive, adding to the Chiefs’ frustration. After finally forcing a Texans punt, Kansas City put together its first sustained drive of the game — a 12-play, 72-yard march — only for Harrison Butker to clang a field-goal attempt off the right upright. The Chiefs headed into halftime trailing 10–0.
Second Half
Whatever Andy Reid said in the locker room worked. The Chiefs opened the half with renewed energy, forcing Houston into negative yardage and a three-and-out. Mahomes then delivered his best throw of the night — a 35-yard strike to Hollywood Brown. Seven plays later, Kareem Hunt powered in a two-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 10–7. The defense then tightened even further, forcing another three-and-out. After a pair of possessions in which both teams exchanged minimal gains, the game entered the fourth quarter tied 10–10.
But Mahomes’ turnover troubles lingered. Entering the night with seven interceptions on the season (eight after his first-half pick), he took a deep shot to Hollywood Brown on 3rd-and-6 — only for the pass to sail and be intercepted by Kamari Lassiter. Houston couldn’t convert and punted, giving Kansas City the ball at its own 22. But facing 4th-and-1 at their own 31, the Chiefs gambled and came up short. The Texans needed just six plays to cash in, with Dare Ogunbowale scoring from five yards out to put Houston up 17–10.
Photo Cred: AM800
Then came déjà vu. Kansas City, again in its own territory and again facing fourth down, failed to convert — Mahomes’ pass to Rashee Rice was batted away. A defensive stop gave the Chiefs one last chance, but disaster struck. Backed up at their own eight on 2nd-and-10, Mahomes targeted Travis Kelce… and this happened:
https://x.com/GhettoGronk/status/1997886079391703421?s=20
The turnover put the Texans immediately in field-goal range, allowing them to ice the game and secure a 20–10 victory. Kansas City fell to 6–7, while the Texans improved to 8–5, climbing to second in their division as the Chiefs remained third.
KEY STATS
KC — Patrick Mahomes: 14/33, 160 yards, 3 INTs
HOU — C.J. Stroud: 15/31, 203 yards, 1 TD
