Patrick Mahomes demonstrated his resilience on Saturday, overcoming a sprained ankle to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans. The two-time MVP showed no signs of discomfort, executing a 15-yard touchdown scramble during the Chiefs’ opening drive, finishing the game with 260 passing yards and another touchdown.
With this win, the Chiefs improved to 14-1 and are on the verge of clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. They can secure a postseason bye and home-field advantage if Buffalo loses or ties against New England on Sunday. If the Bills win, Kansas City can clinch with a victory over Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.
“I ask a lot from the guys around me. I feel like if I’m going to ask them to play through pain and nicks and bruises, I’ve got to do it as well,” Mahomes said. “That’s something that I pride myself on — being out there with my guys.”
In addition to Mahomes’ efforts, Xavier Worthy contributed significantly with seven receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Kareem Hunt added 55 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Marquise Brown, returning from a shoulder injury, caught five passes for 45 yards.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised the team’s performance, calling it their most comprehensive of the season. “He spoils the dog out of us, he’s so tough,” Reid said of Mahomes. “You get used to it, but most guys don’t come back from that like he did.”
For the Texans (9-6), C.J. Stroud passed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. One of his touchdown passes came at a significant cost, as wide receiver Tank Dell sustained a serious knee injury during the play. Dell, who had six catches for 98 yards, was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed he would remain overnight. “All our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now,” Ryans said. “It hurts to see him go down like that. He was having a fantastic game.”
Stroud expressed his concern for Dell, stating, “All you can really do is pray.”
Despite early-week doubts about Mahomes’ availability due to his ankle injury, he was removed from the injury report by Friday and quickly led the Chiefs to a touchdown on their opening possession. The first half featured a back-and-forth exchange, with the Texans responding to Mahomes’ touchdown with a field goal and an 82-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz. However, the Chiefs regained the lead with a rushing touchdown from Hunt and a subsequent field goal, ending the half at 17-10.
The third quarter saw Dell’s injury occur during Houston’s opening drive, leading to a missed extra point and a loss of momentum for the Texans. Kansas City capitalized, with Worthy playing a key role in a scoring drive that concluded with an 8-yard touchdown reception, marking his eighth touchdown of the season.
Both teams exchanged field goals in the fourth quarter, but the Texans were unable to mount a comeback. The Chiefs’ defense forced a three-and-out, highlighted by a sack from cornerback Josh Williams, allowing Kansas City to run out the clock.
“This was a great test versus a really good playoff team,” Ryans said. “This was a playoff atmosphere here today. I thought our guys battled the right way. We just have to finish.”
In attendance for the game was pop star Taylor Swift, who has been spending time with her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, since completing her Eras Tour earlier this month. Swift also made a surprise visit to Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Injuries
Houston: OG Shaq Mason (left knee) left the game early, and FS Jimmie Ward (foot) was injured late in the first half.
Kansas City: LB Jack Cochrane fractured his ankle, RT Jawaan Taylor left with a knee injury, and DT Chris Jones sustained a minor calf strain.
Next Up
The Chiefs will travel to Pittsburgh, while the Texans will host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
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