This matchup could have major playoff implications by the end of the season.
Both the Chiefs and Texans were playoff teams a season ago and are leading their respective divisions this season. This game will be important not only for a head-to-head tiebreaker but for the conference record.
Houston is on a roll right now, while Kansas City is ravaged by injuries. The Chiefs can’t afford any more key injuries as they’ll have a quick turnaround after this game and play on Thursday Night Football.
Let’s take a look at the keys for a Chiefs victory over the Texans:
Force negative plays
At this point, the Chiefs are what they are as a run defense. They could improve a bit, but it’s not going to go from second-worst to the top 10. The Chiefs are going to give up their share of rushing yards, but they can help themselves by occasionally creating negative plays.
The Chiefs’ front seven has to penetrate the Texans’ backfield and get tackles for loss, forcing Houston into long-yardage situations. If that means taking a risk and getting burnt sometimes, so be it. If Kansas City can force Houston into obvious passing situations with long yardage to-go, it opens things up for pressure in the way of sacks and turnovers.
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Establish an effective running game
Last week against the Indianapolis Colts the Chiefs rushed for just 36 yards. That is inexcusable against a Colts defense which was missing several key starters due to injury including their top linebacker Darius Leonard. They also weren’t very good against the run in the first place before the injuries.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a lot on his plate right now with an ankle sprain and missing several key starters of his own. The Chiefs can take some pressure off of him by scheming up a successful running game. They have a deep group at running back and should be able to be at least competent. The problem is that the left side of the offensive line is currently made up of replacement-level players. They’ll have to get creative in terms of getting the running game moving this week.
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Cut down the penalties
Last week the Chiefs were penalized 11 times for 125 yards. You’re not going to win a lot of games playing that undisciplined. It was one of Andy Reid’s main concerns after facing the Colts. Now you face an explosive Texans team that can similarly frustrate on defense and offense.
Defensively, Kansas City has enough struggles at every level and can’t afford unnecessary penalties to make things tougher. Offensively, it is missing too many key players to overcome long-yardage situations. Focus and preparation can help the Chiefs in this area.
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Chiefs’ CBs play physically vs. Texans WRs
The Texans have two tremendously talented receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Hopkins is one of the elite receivers in the NFL and can wreck a game on any given week. He has big, strong hands and is excellent at winning contested catches.
Fuller is a speedster and is having the best season of his career, ranking 11th in the NFL in receiving yards. He had a monster game last week against the Falcons with 14 receptions for 217 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs’ cornerbacks have to play physically and not allow any easy big plays down the field.
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Chiefs’ WRs find success vs. man coverage
Chiefs’ receivers have struggled to get open in recent weeks, thanks in large part to their struggles against man coverage. This has caused timing issues between them and Mahomes and has also limited explosive plays. With its lack of a running game, being unable to stretch the field as made the Chiefs’ offense stagnant.
They need to get back on track against man coverage situations. Whether that means scheming up some pick plays or the receivers beating their man off the line of scrimmage, they need to do a better job in this area.
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