CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 04: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs got their 14th win of the season with a 27-19 home victory over the Houston Texans. Here are five takeaways from the game.
Mahomes’ Ankle Is Just Fine
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
There was concern surrounding Patrick Mahomes’ ankle injury last week, but it seems like it was all for nothing. Mahomes passed for 260 yards and one TD against Houston and added 33 yards and a score on the ground.
Chiefs Offense Finishes In Red Zone
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands the football to Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Despite their status atop the AFC, the Chiefs ranked 26th in the NFL in red-zone percentage prior to this game. But all three of their touchdowns today came in the red zone, a big improvement from past weeks.
Worthy Making Plays
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Earlier in the season, the rookie wideout and Mahomes may not have been on the same page, but it appears they’ve turned a corner. Worthy was heavily involved in the Chiefs’ offensive game plan and finished the game with 7 catches for 65 yards and a score.
Stroud Struggles for Consistency
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
After an excellent rookie campaign, it has been rough sledding this year for C.J. Stroud. And it was more of the same against Kansas City, who surrendered two Stroud passing TDs but also intercepted him twice.
Dell Likely Done For Season
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 31: Tank Dell #3 of the Houston Texans reacts against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 31, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The injury-riddled Texans took another blow, with receiver Tank Dell suffering a severe knee injury. While no official statement has been provided, Dell was rushed to the hospital following the injury and looked to be in no condition to be playing any time soon.
