Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

Following a high right ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of a win against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the door open for his potential return on Saturday when Kansas City hosts the Houston Texans.

Initially given a recovery timeline of week-to-week, Mahomes was listed as a full participant in Tuesday's practice and expressed his desire to start for the Chiefs (13-1) this weekend. However, backup Carson Wentz is also a viable option.

"The reason you play this game is to push yourself to play," Mahomes stated. "So I'll get the work in during practice and try to push myself to see where I'm at. But ultimately, I won't put our team in a bad position. If I feel like I can play and help us win, I'll play. If I don't think that's the best scenario, I'll let Carson play.

"This week is about pushing myself, seeing where I'm at, and making the best decision then."

Despite the injury, Mahomes remained optimistic, noting the progress he has made with treatment since the Sunday victory. With the AFC West title already secured and a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills for the top seed in the AFC, the Chiefs are not under pressure to rush a hobbled Mahomes back into the starting lineup.

Yet he is still eager to give it a try.

"We've put ourselves in a good position where it's not crucial for me to play," Mahomes said. "We have some room to spare, but at the end of the day, we want to win. I'm a competitor and I want to be out there playing.

"I'll push myself over the next few days and we'll make a decision then."

Like the Chiefs, the Texans (9-5) have also secured a playoff spot, clinching their second consecutive AFC South title with a 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

While the Texans could improve their seeding with a strong finish, it is likely that they will remain in fourth place in the standings. This leaves them facing the common dilemma of how to approach the final three games before the playoffs.

"Even though we've clinched the AFC South, our approach remains the same," said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. "We are always looking to improve as a team and play our best football when the playoffs come around. So we will continue to work hard and do our best."

The Texans' first game with a guaranteed playoff spot will depend heavily on Mahomes' availability. Despite the Chiefs' overall talent, Mahomes is still the ultimate game-changer, and the Texans' chances of success are greater if he rests.

"I have no idea if he will play or not, so I can't focus on it or be concerned about it," Ryans said. "... Patrick gets a lot of attention, but if you watch the Chiefs play, their defense is also very strong.

"Coach (Andy) Reid and the offense will find a way to move the ball no matter who is playing. So we need to be on top of our game in all areas, whether Patrick is playing or not."

The Texans' quarterback, C.J. Stroud, threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions in the past two games, but his yardage total (373 combined) was not particularly impressive. Running back Joe Mixon was also held to just 23 yards on 12 carries against the Dolphins after rushing for over 100 yards in six of the previous eight weeks.

On Tuesday, six Texans players were absent from practice, including defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (ankle), wide receiver John Metchie III (shoulder), and linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (foot). The Chiefs were without tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and defensive back Chamarri Conner (concussion) in their Tuesday practice. Wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, who has been out with a shoulder injury, was a full participant.

PREDICTION

Houston Texans

20

23

Kansas City Chiefs