Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/21/2024 1:00 PM EST

We have your Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Houston Texans hit the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Houston Texans +125 (ESPN BET) / Kansas City Chiefs -145 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: -3.0 - Houston Texans -112 (DraftKings) / Kansas City Chiefs -108 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 41.5 - Under -110 (Caesars) / 41.0 - Over -114 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 12/21/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
TV: NBC

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans have faced each other once, with the game taking place on December 18, 2022. In this matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious, marking their sole win against the Texans in this period. The game was played with the Chiefs as the visiting team, and they managed to secure the win, while the Texans, despite being the underdogs, covered the spread. The game also went over the projected total score, indicating a high-scoring affair. This single encounter provides a limited but insightful look into the dynamics between these two teams, with the Chiefs demonstrating their offensive prowess and the Texans showing resilience against the spread.

In the most recent game, the Chiefs defeated the Texans 30-24. The game began with the Texans taking an early lead with a touchdown pass from Davis Mills to Teagan Quitoriano. The Chiefs responded with a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Jerick McKinnon, but the Texans maintained their lead with a rushing touchdown by Mills. Mahomes connected with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for another touchdown, but the Texans led 14-13 at halftime. The Chiefs took the lead in the third quarter with a field goal by Harrison Butker, but the Texans answered with a touchdown pass from Mills to Jordan Akins. In the fourth quarter, Mahomes rushed for a touchdown and completed a two-point conversion to McKinnon. The Texans tied the game with a field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn, but McKinnon secured the win for the Chiefs with a 26-yard rushing touchdown in overtime.

Key statistics from this game highlight the Chiefs' offensive dominance, with Mahomes completing 36 of 41 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs amassed a total of 502 yards compared to the Texans' 219, showcasing their ability to move the ball effectively. The Chiefs also had a significant advantage in time of possession, holding the ball for over 37 minutes. Despite the Texans' efforts, including Mills' two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, the Chiefs' balanced attack and ability to capitalize on key plays ultimately led to their victory. The Texans, however, managed to cover the spread, demonstrating their competitiveness in the matchup.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Preview

The upcoming clash between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs is set to be a pivotal matchup with significant playoff implications. The Chiefs, boasting a league-best 13-1 record, are navigating a challenging stretch of their schedule, playing three games in just ten days. Despite their impressive record, the Chiefs face uncertainty with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes nursing a high-ankle sprain sustained in their recent victory over the Cleveland Browns. Mahomes' status remains uncertain, and his availability could heavily influence the outcome of the game. If Mahomes is unable to play, backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who has shown competence in his previous NFL stints, will be called upon to lead the Chiefs' offense.

On the other side, the Texans, with a 9-5 record, have already clinched the AFC South and are looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Houston's defense, ranked sixth in passing yards allowed, will be a formidable challenge for the Chiefs, especially if Mahomes is not at full strength. The Texans have been preparing for both Mahomes and Wentz, understanding the strategic adjustments required for each quarterback's style of play.

Historically, the Chiefs have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Texans, including a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory in 2022. In that game, Mahomes showcased his offensive prowess, completing 36 of 41 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a total of 502 yards. The Texans, however, demonstrated resilience, covering the spread and pushing the game into overtime.

As the Chiefs aim to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC, every game is crucial. The Texans, meanwhile, are eager to prove their mettle against one of the league's top teams. With both teams having much at stake, this matchup promises to be a high-stakes, high-intensity affair, potentially setting the stage for a high-scoring contest at Arrowhead Stadium.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Pick: Total Points Over

The upcoming matchup between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair, making the over on total points an enticing pick. Historically, when these two teams met in December 2022, the game ended in a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory for the Chiefs, with both teams combining for 54 points, well above the current over/under line of 41.5. This past encounter showcased the offensive capabilities of both squads, with Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs to 502 total yards, including 336 passing yards and two touchdowns. Despite the Texans' defensive efforts, they managed to push the game into overtime, highlighting their ability to compete offensively.

As the Chiefs prepare for this crucial game, they are navigating a challenging schedule with three games in ten days. While Patrick Mahomes is nursing a high-ankle sprain, his potential absence could see Carson Wentz stepping in. Wentz, a seasoned quarterback, has shown competence in his previous NFL stints and is capable of leading a high-powered offense. The Chiefs' offensive depth, combined with their need to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC, suggests they will be aggressive in their approach, regardless of who is under center.

On the other side, the Texans have clinched the AFC South and are looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Their defense, ranked sixth in passing yards allowed, will be tested by the Chiefs' dynamic offense. However, the Texans have demonstrated resilience and the ability to score, as evidenced by their performance in the previous matchup against Kansas City. With both teams having much at stake, the game promises to be a high-intensity contest, potentially leading to a high-scoring outcome.

Given the offensive firepower on both sides and the stakes involved, betting on the total points to go over seems a prudent choice. The Chiefs' need to maintain their top seed position and the Texans' desire to prove themselves against a formidable opponent could result in a game that exceeds expectations in terms of scoring.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Top Player Prop Picks

Patrick Mahomes Over 232.5 Passing Yards -110 (bet365)

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Patrick Mahomes' high-ankle sprain, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has a history of playing through injuries and delivering strong performances. Mahomes has been a full participant in practice, indicating that he is pushing to play against the Houston Texans. Historically, Mahomes has excelled against the Texans, as evidenced by his 336-yard performance in their last meeting. The Chiefs are in a crucial stretch, aiming to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and Mahomes' ability to move the ball effectively will be pivotal. Given his track record and the stakes involved, betting on Mahomes to exceed 232.5 passing yards is a compelling choice.

Nico Collins Over 80.5 Receiving Yards -110 (DraftKings)

Nico Collins has emerged as a key target for the Houston Texans, and his role will be crucial in their matchup against the Chiefs. The Texans' passing game will need to be at its best to keep pace with Kansas City's potent offense. Collins has shown the ability to make big plays, and with the Chiefs potentially focusing on stopping the run, there could be opportunities for Collins to exploit the secondary. The Chiefs' defense, while strong, has shown vulnerabilities in the passing game, making Collins a prime candidate to surpass 80.5 receiving yards.

Joe Mixon Under 60.5 Rushing Yards -109 (bet365)

Joe Mixon faces a tough challenge against a Kansas City defense that has been effective in limiting opposing running backs. The Chiefs' defensive line has been a formidable force, and with the Texans likely to focus on their passing attack, Mixon may find it difficult to gain significant yardage on the ground. Additionally, the game script could favor a more pass-heavy approach for the Texans, especially if they fall behind early. Given these factors, Mixon is likely to struggle to reach the 60.5 rushing yards mark, making the under a strong play.