Chiefs go undefeated at home with win over Texans; No. 1 seed is in sight
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Kansas City Chiefs are just one win, or a Buffalo loss, away from locking down the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which will secure a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage.
KC topped the Houston Texans 27-19, on Saturday, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes led his team to victory on a high-ankle sprain. The two-time MVP sent a message to the Texans and to fans early on that he was more than ready to play on that ankle, as he ran for a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter. After that, he proceeded to throw for 260 yards and one touchdown, completing about 68 percent of his passes.
Rookie Xavier Worthy was Mahomes' go-to guy through the air in the win. The wide receiver hauled in seven receptions for 65 yards and one much-needed touchdown in the third quarter to put the Chiefs up 24-16.
One big story line headed into Saturday's game was the return of Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown from injury. The former Arizona Cardinal had not played one regular season game with his new team, as he went down with a significant shoulder injury during the preseason. In his first game, he made an impact. Brown had five catches for 45 yards, including one big fourth down conversion.
However, it was a balanced attack. Coach Reid attacked through the air, but also had a successful day running the football, as running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, who recently returned from a leg injury, are continuing to split the reps in the backfield. Hunt took the majority of snaps today, carrying the ball 11 times for 55 yards and one three-yard score.
After Saturday's win, Kansas City can secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. However, the Buffalo Bills could make it easier on Reid and company if they lose to the New England Patriots, on Sunday.
KC also finished the season undefeated at home for the first time since 2003.
Up next - the Chiefs will play their third game in an 11-day span, when they hit the road for Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh and Kansas City will kickoff at 12 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
