Chiefs in driver seat to clinch for bye and home-field advantage with win over Texans 27 to 19

The Kansas City Chiefs have already clinched the AFC West and have their sights set on a first-round bye and more importantly home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.  The Chiefs came into the game with a league best record of 13-1 and welcomed the Houston Texans that are the AFC South division champions. 

A rare Saturday game in December meant that the capacity at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium would reach a high attendance number (73,600).  Kansas City quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, had been questionable all week coming into Saturday as his leg was still healing from a tweak that happened last Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.  Mahomes played Saturday and thrived offensively.  His 93.3% rating was led by his 1 passing touchdown (Xavier Worthy) combined with his 1 rushing touchdown. 

The Chiefs combined for 7 players that caught at least 1 reception from Mahomes and ended the game with 260 receiving yards combined on 28 total receptions.  The Chiefs intercepted Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud twice.  Stopping the running game was essential to the Chiefs controlling the clock and held Houston to under 100 yards rushing (84 yards).  With a Bills loss or a tie to the New England Patriots, the Chiefs can clinch home-field advantage and a first-round bye on Sunday. 

In the event that Buffalo does win on Sunday, the Chiefs can clinch on Christmas Day against the Steelers with a victory.  Head Coach Andy Reid continues to be surprised by Mahomes toughness, “He spoils the dog out of us, he’s so tough.  You get used to it.  But most guys don’t come back from that like he did.”  For Houston, a very hard moment to watch as wide receiver, Tank Dell, caught a touchdown and had a couple of players land on his legs that resulted in him being carted off the field.  Members of both Houston and Kansas City took a moment to send prayers to Tank.  The Texans now drop to 9-6 but still remain in 4th place in the AFC as the division has already been clinched.

The Texans will host the Ravens on Christmas before ending the season in Tennessee.  The Chiefs will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers before ending the regular season on the road against the Broncos.