Texans Stun Chiefs 20-10, Boost Playoff Hopes in AFC South
UPDATE: The Houston Texans delivered a stunning blow to the Kansas City Chiefs with a 20-10 victory at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2023, solidifying their playoff aspirations in the AFC South race.
C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, leading a Texans team that relied heavily on the NFL’s top-ranked defense to stifle Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This victory marks Houston’s fifth consecutive win, pushing their record to 8-5 and keeping them just a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a dismal showing, Mahomes struggled, completing only 14 of 33 passes for 160 yards with no touchdowns and a staggering three interceptions. His final interception came late in the fourth quarter as Kansas City sought to tie the game, marking a serious setback for the defending AFC champions, who now sit at 6-7—their worst record through 13 games since the 2-11 start in 2012.
“It’s a tough loss for us,” Mahomes said post-game, reflecting on the challenging season marked by injuries and mistakes.
The Chiefs entered the match hoping to extend their five-game winning streak against Houston, but the Texans showcased a different level of determination. Stroud, fresh off a strong performance against Indianapolis, connected with Nico Collins for a pivotal 46-yard gain that set up a field goal and later hit Woody Marks for a short touchdown.
Despite the Texans’ success, the Chiefs faced significant adversity with injuries to left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie in the first half, leaving Mahomes with a severely undermanned offensive line.
By halftime, Kansas City managed only 98 total yards, trailing 10-0—a rare occurrence for Mahomes, who had only previously faced such a deficit four times in his career.
The Chiefs’ defense held firm, forcing Stroud into eight consecutive incompletions at one point, allowing Mahomes to trim the deficit with a touchdown run from Kareem Hunt and a tying field goal from Harrison Butker.
However, the turning point came in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 10-10, the Texans faced a fourth-and-1 at their own 35-yard line but opted to punt. The Chiefs subsequently faltered on their own fourth-and-1 attempt at the 31-yard line, with Mahomes’ pass falling incomplete.
Just six plays later, Dare Ogunbowale surged into the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown, putting Houston back in the lead. Kansas City’s struggles continued as they failed to convert another fourth down, with Rashee Rice dropping a crucial pass.
As the clock wound down, Mahomes was intercepted, sealing the Texans’ victory and dealing a significant blow to the Chiefs’ playoff hopes.
Looking ahead, the Texans will face the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday, while the Chiefs are set to battle the Los Angeles Chargers on the same day.
This win not only bolsters Houston’s playoff chances but also raises questions about the Chiefs’ ability to rebound in the remainder of the season as they navigate a challenging schedule.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
