Best Spread Odds: -8.0 - Houston Texans -110 (BetRivers) / -7.5 - Kansas City Chiefs -115 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 42.5 - Under -115 (DraftKings) / 41.5 - Over -110 (BetRivers)
Special offers available for this game
Underdog: Free Pick for NEW Customers: Patrick Mahomes Total Yards > 0.5
Game Info
Date: 1/18/2025
Time: 4:30 PM EST
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
TV: ESPN
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Preview
The Houston Texans are riding high after a commanding 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, a game where their defense shone brightly by intercepting Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert four times. This defensive prowess will be crucial as they face the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that has been a dominant force in the NFL, securing the AFC's No. 1 seed with a 15-2 record. The Chiefs, led by the ever-impressive Patrick Mahomes, are coming off a bye week, which has given them ample time to prepare and rest their key players.
Houston's defense, ranked sixth in yards allowed per game during the regular season, will need to replicate their performance against Herbert to contain Mahomes, who has been a playoff stalwart for Kansas City. The Texans' head coach, DeMeco Ryans, has been lauded for his strategic defensive schemes, which have previously stifled elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa. However, the challenge of facing Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs have been nearly unbeatable, is a daunting task.
Offensively, the Texans will rely on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who demonstrated resilience and playmaking ability against the Chargers. Stroud's connection with wide receiver Nico Collins, who recorded 122 receiving yards in the Wild Card game, will be pivotal against a Chiefs defense that has been solid throughout the season. The Texans' running game, spearheaded by Joe Mixon, who rushed for 106 yards against Los Angeles, will also need to be effective to keep the Chiefs' defense honest.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, will look to exploit the Texans' secondary with their potent passing attack. Mahomes, with his playoff experience and a plethora of offensive weapons, including the return of Hollywood Brown, will aim to keep Houston's defense on its heels. Kansas City's ability to execute play-action passes could be a key factor in breaking down the Texans' defensive schemes.
As the Texans aim to reach the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, they face a formidable opponent in the Chiefs, who have been to the Super Bowl four times in the last five seasons. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with Houston's defense looking to continue their impressive form and Kansas City's offense eager to showcase their championship pedigree.
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Pick: Kansas City Chiefs Moneyline
The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to continue their dominant postseason run as they face the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round. The Chiefs, who have secured the AFC's No. 1 seed with an impressive 15-2 record, are coming off a bye week, providing them with ample time to rest and prepare. This strategic advantage cannot be overstated, especially when considering the Chiefs' recent history of postseason success, having reached the Super Bowl four times in the last five seasons.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs' star quarterback, is a seasoned playoff performer with a track record of elevating his game in high-stakes situations. His ability to exploit defenses with both his arm and his legs makes him a formidable challenge for any opponent. The Chiefs' offense, bolstered by the return of Hollywood Brown, is expected to test the Texans' secondary, which, despite its recent success against the Chargers, will face a different caliber of challenge at Arrowhead Stadium.
While the Texans' defense has been impressive, ranking sixth in yards allowed per game during the regular season and recently stifling elite quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, the task of containing Mahomes and the Chiefs' dynamic offense is a daunting one. The Chiefs' ability to execute play-action passes and keep defenses off-balance will be crucial in breaking down the Texans' defensive schemes.
Moreover, the Chiefs' home-field advantage at Arrowhead Stadium, where they have been nearly unbeatable, adds another layer of difficulty for the Texans. The Chiefs' defense, which has been solid throughout the season, will aim to pressure Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and disrupt his connection with key targets like Nico Collins.
Given the Chiefs' playoff experience, strategic preparation, and home-field advantage, they are well-positioned to secure a victory against the Texans. The combination of Mahomes' leadership, a potent offensive arsenal, and a rested team makes the Kansas City Chiefs the favored pick to advance to the AFC Championship Game.
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Top Player Prop Picks
Patrick Mahomes Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns -136 (BetRivers)