Texans' Playoff Destiny: Next Opponent And Matchup Analysis

The Houston Texans are in a must-win situation as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round. The Texans, who finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, are looking to advance to their first AFC Championship Game since 2019.

Texans' Next Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are fresh off a bye week and have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL all season. They finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, second-best in the AFC, and have won their last six games.

The Chiefs are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is one of the best players in the NFL. He is surrounded by a talented group of receivers, including Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman.

Matchup Analysis

The Texans and Chiefs have faced each other twice this season, with the Chiefs winning both games. The Texans lost 34-20 in Week 6 and 30-24 in Week 15.

In both games, the Chiefs' offense was too much for the Texans' defense to handle. Mahomes threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns in each game, and the Chiefs averaged over 30 points per game.

The Texans' offense will need to be more productive in the Divisional Round if they want to have a chance to win. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is capable of making big plays, but he will need to be more consistent against the Chiefs' defense.

Keys to a Texans Victory

Here are the keys to a Texans victory in the AFC Divisional Round:

• Limit Mahomes: The Texans will need to find a way to limit Mahomes' production. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he can make any team pay if he is given the opportunity.
• Get pressure on Mahomes: The Texans will need to get pressure on Mahomes to force him into mistakes. He is not as effective when he is under pressure, and the Texans will need to take advantage of that.
• Win the turnover battle: The Texans will need to win the turnover battle if they want to have a chance to win. They cannot afford to give the Chiefs extra chances with the ball.

Outlook

The Texans are a talented team, but they will need to play their best game of the season if they want to beat the Chiefs. The Chiefs are one of the best teams in the NFL, and they will be tough to beat at home.

If the Texans can limit Mahomes' production, get pressure on him, and win the turnover battle, they have a chance to pull off the upset and advance to the AFC Championship Game.

Conclusion

The Texans' playoff destiny is in their own hands. They will need to play their best game of the season if they want to beat the Chiefs and advance to the AFC Championship Game.

The Chiefs are a tough opponent, but the Texans have the talent to win if they can play to their potential.

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