Texans deliver devastating blow to Chiefs’ playoff hopes
The football seemingly bounced the Kansas City Chiefs’ way all of last season as they won 11 one-score games. The football is continuously bouncing in the opposite direction this year.
Kansas City’s 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans was emblematic of their season.
Whether it’s a 43-yard Harrison Butker field goal that doinked off the upright, a football that slipped through Rashee Rice’s hands on fourth down or a Travis Kelce drop that lands in the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
The Chiefs aren’t the recipients of footballs bouncing their way in 2025.
Chiefs pass catchers had six drops in their loss to Houston. Six drops factored into Patrick Mahomes passing for a season-low 160 yards.
“They are upset. They put it all out there and it didn’t work out for them,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters postgame. “The guys that had some mishaps, they are upset. These guys take responsibility for things.”
Injuries have also hurt Kansas City.
The Chiefs were down three starting offensive linemen (Josh Simmons, Trey Smith and Jawaan Taylor) in Week 14. Their banged up offensive line took another hit when tackle Wanya Morris injured his knee on the very first snap of Sunday night’s game and was ruled out for the rest of the contest.
Mahomes was under pressure on 50% of his dropbacks versus Houston, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished with a career-worst 19.8 passer rating.
Standout cornerback Trent McDuffie sustained a knee injury after he gave up a long 46-yard reception to Texans wideout Nico Collins in the first quarter and didn’t return.
Collins tallied a game-high 121 receiving yards on four catches.
When “mishaps” as Reid labeled it and injuries start to mount, one must wonder if it’s just not the Chiefs’ year.
Kansas City’s playoff probability decreased to 15% following its Week 14 defeat, per Next Gen Stats. They are in the 10th position in the AFC.
The Chiefs (6-7) have appeared in five Super Bowls over the past six seasons, including three Super Bowl victories. They’ve won the AFC West title for nine consecutive seasons during their dynasty. But the Chiefs’ latest loss could be a sign that their reign is beginning to falter.
If the Chiefs want to preserve their dynasty, they definitely need to undergo a retooling around Mahomes during an offseason that appears to have a start date earlier than expected.
“We know the (playoff) chances are getting lower and lower,” Mahomes said. “But I know the guys on this team are going to give everything they have every opportunity we get.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
