Overview
- The 6-6 Chiefs, currently outside the AFC playoff field, host the Texans on Sunday night in a game that could define their postseason path.
- Kansas City’s final report lists RG Trey Smith (ankle) and RT Jawaan Taylor (triceps/knee) as doubtful, with LT Josh Simmons on injured reserve after wrist surgery.
- Backups Wanya Morris (LT), Jaylon Moore (RT) and Mike Caliendo (RG) are in line to start, while CB Chris Roland-Wallace and WR Nikko Remigio were ruled out and OL Esa Pole was elevated.
- Houston brings one of the NFL’s top defenses led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, with opponents averaging 265.7 yards per game against the Texans.
- The Athletic’s simulator puts Kansas City at 98% to make the playoffs if it wins out, with talkSPORT noting playoff odds around 64% with a Week 14 win and roughly a third without it; the team is 1-6 in one-score games as Andy Reid and Travis Kelce preach belief and ex-Chiefs tackle Mitchell Schwartz voices doubt about a five-game run.