After a long week of speculation and worry about star Patrick Mahomes’ game status, the Chiefs quarterback gave it his all on Saturday, leading his team to a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans.
Kansas City secured its 11th one-possession win of the year but has yet to score more than 30 points in a game this season.
The Chiefs’ defense started the game strong, with safety Jaden Hicks intercepting C.J. Stroud on Houston’s first possession of the game and giving the ball to Mahomes and Kansas City’s offense.
Mahomes put the early worries of his high-ankle sprain to rest in the first quarter with a 15-yard rushing touchdown, the longest rushing touchdown of his career. He finished the game with 33 total rushing yards, 260 passing yards and a passing TD.
Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had 11 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. Xavier Worthy was Kansas City’s leading receiver with 65 yards on seven receptions and a TD.
Meanwhile, Stroud finished with 244 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell had a great game before exiting with a knee injury in the third quarter. He caught a 30-yard touchdown but was injured on the play and had to be carted off the field.
Houston will be without Dell and Stefon Diggs for the rest of the season, so the wide receiver room is becoming thin. The Texans will need someone to step up in the playoffs.
Outside of star WR Nico Collins, Houston’s remaining receivers are Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne. Those three have a combined 21 catches this season.
If they hope to make a deep postseason run, the Texans will need production from that group, including its tight ends and running backs.
