Texans vs. Chiefs: Predictions, odds for NFL divisional playoff game
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is here. The Kansas City Chiefs, as the AFC's No. 1 seed, are set to host the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs enter the divisional round against the Texans well-rested after a bye week and are expected to have their full roster available, with all starters recharged. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has benefited from this extended rest, as backup Carson Wentz started in the final regular-season game against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes has an impressive 6-0 record in the divisional round — it's the most consecutive wins in any playoff round in NFL history.
The Texans secured a spot in the divisional round by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12 in an AFC wild-card playoff game. The Houston defense played a crucial role in ending the Chargers' Super Bowl aspirations by intercepting Justin Herbert four times, marking a career high for the quarterback. Throughout the season, the defense has proven to be a powerful force, ranking sixth in yards allowed per game with 315. Now, the Texans will try to make franchise history by advancing to the AFC championship game for the first time.
Here is everything to know ahead of the AFC divisional round matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans:
NFL divisional playoff predictions: Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
USA Today: Chiefs 27, Texans 21
Tyler Dragon writes: "Naysayers fueled the Texans as they took care of business versus the Chargers. Edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are game wreckers. Meanwhile, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. notched two interceptions versus Los Angeles. The Chiefs defeated Houston 27-19 in Week 16. Kansas City looks primed to be the first team to three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Kansas City is well-rested and Andy Reid is historically good after a bye week. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown’s return to Kansas City’s offense gives the team more firepower. Chris Jones has a significant advantage over Houston’s leaky offensive line. Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to six straight AFC championship games. Mahomes and company are headed to another AFC title contest."
Dimers: Chiefs will likely beat Texans
Staff writes: "Joe Mixon is projected to lead rushing for the Texans, while Isiah Pacheco is expected to pace the Chiefs on the ground. In the receiving game, our projections favor Houston's Nico Collins and Kansas City's Travis Kelce as the likely leaders for each team. We predict the Chiefs, with a 75% win probability, will likely beat the Texans on Saturday."
ESPN: Chiefs have a 62% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Kansas City Chiefs have a 62.7% chance to beat the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round.
AFC Divisional Round odds, lines: Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Houston Texans, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Friday, Jan. 17
- Spread: Kansas City (-8.5)
- Moneylines: Kansas City (-500); Houston (+375)
- Over/under: 41.5
How to watch Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN & ABC
- Stream: ESPN+
- Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
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