Texans Contain Mahomes as Houston Earns 20–10 Win to Stay Alive in AFC South

AP NEWS

The Houston Texans approached their Sunday night matchup at Arrowhead Stadium as nothing more than the next task on their schedule. Despite Kansas City’s long-standing dominance in the AFC—along with last season’s playoff exit at the hands of the Chiefs—Houston refused to treat the game as anything other than another step in its postseason pursuit. “We looked at it as the next opportunity to execute,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans explained, emphasizing that his team focused strictly on performance, not emotion.

That measured approach paid off. Led by an efficient 203-yard, one-touchdown outing from quarterback C.J. Stroud and supported by the league’s top-ranked defense, the Texans secured a 20–10 win over Kansas City. Houston improved to 8–5, extended its winning streak to five games, and remained one game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South standings. Nico Collins played a pivotal role, hauling in four passes for 121 yards, while Dare Ogunbowale’s fourth-quarter touchdown gave Houston the lead for good. “We accomplished what we set out to do,” Ryans said. “The goal was simply to win, no matter the circumstances.” Kansas City, however, continued a season defined by injuries and inconsistency. Patrick Mahomes, operating behind an offensive line riddled with backups, completed just 14 of 33 passes for 160 yards and threw three interceptions—his final turnover ending any realistic chance of a late comeback. “We had opportunities,” Mahomes admitted, “but we didn’t make the plays when we needed them.”

The Chiefs, now 6–7, find themselves in their weakest position through 13 games since 2012. Their struggles were evident early, as they gained only 98 yards in the first half and entered halftime trailing 10–0. Injuries to left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie only worsened matters, leaving the team without key contributors on both sides of the ball.

Stroud briefly cooled after halftime, missing on eight consecutive pass attempts, which allowed Kansas City to tie the game on Kareem Hunt’s touchdown run and a field goal by Harrison Butker. Ultimately, though, the outcome hinged on two critical fourth-down decisions. Houston opted to punt on fourth-and-1 from its own 35, but Kansas City failed to convert a fourth-and-1 at its own 31 on the ensuing drive. Six plays later, Ogunbowale powered into the end zone to restore Houston’s lead. Kansas City’s final attempts at a rally unraveled quickly. Rashee Rice dropped a wide-open fourth-down pass, and Mahomes’ third interception of the night sealed the result. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones remained cautiously optimistic afterward. “There’s still a chance, even if it’s small,” Jones said. “As long as that door is open—even a crack—we have to control what we can and see where things end up.”

Injuries

Houston lost running back Nick Chubb (ribs), who exited in the first half and did not return.For Kansas City, right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (triceps) were inactive, while Morris (knee) and McDuffie (knee) left with injuries during the first half.

Next Games

Houston hosts the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.Kansas City faces the Los Angeles Chargers.