Chiefs Vs Texans: Key Matchups

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to take on the Texans in Houston this Sunday. While it was not all pretty, the Chiefs bounced back with a road divisional win in Denver last week. Despite another loss, the Texans were extremely competitive last game, nearly upsetting the Dallas Cowboys. As a result of Houston being 1-11-1, Kansas City is in a similar position to last week. They are facing a team with a losing record who is just looking to play spoiler and provide chaos for other playoff contenders that are eyeing the Chiefs.

Which position battles could have the greatest impact on Sunday’s outcome between the Chiefs and the Texans? Today, we will list four key matchups that we have our eyes on entering the contest between Kansas City and Houston. Let’s kick it off.

Texans Running Backs Vs Chiefs Linebackers

Dameon Pierce was going to be the main focus from the Texans running back spot. However, he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, due to an ankle injury. That makes the waters murky at the outset of the week. If Pierce does play, the rookie is going to be a hard-nosed player to attempt to corral. His mix of broken tackle ability, powerful running style and vision are his top traits. Yet, do not discredit his long speed. Even though that is not elite, he can still scoot at a reasonable pace for a back of his stature.

If Pierce cannot go, veterans Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale are the two other options currently available. Burkhead may actually be more dangerous, so to speak, as a pass catcher underneath. His running style is essentially watered down, at this point. Ogunbowale may offer some quickness and avid spatial awareness. But, his ability to thrive in areas like running between the tackles and besting powerful defenders is just not in his DNA.

Nick Bolton and Willie Gay could be stressed in a variety of ways, no matter which running back is active or not. Pierce’s aforementioned power can certainly match the toughness of Bolton or Gay. On the other hand, you would like to see the Chiefs linebacker duo clean up some of their mistakes in space. Recently, some missed tackles and inability to recognize plays at the snap, has led to ups and downs on run defense.

Chiefs Wide Receivers Vs Texans Secondary

The Chiefs got some good news in the wide receiver room yesterday, as Mecole Hardman has been designated to return from the injured reserve list. That does not necessarily mean that he is guaranteed to return on Sunday. Kansas City has up to 21 days to activate him back to the active roster. While Hardman has had early career struggles, his performance early this season was some of the best work of his career. His effort in the short passing game, as a blocker and after the catch was phenomenal before getting hurt.

As for the rest of the Chiefs wide receivers, JuJu Smith-Schuster continues to dominate as the team’s WR1. He displays his excellent football IQ each and every week, while also being a massive threat in the red zone. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has lacked production, but the chances to come through on explosive plays have remained constant. Possibly, Kadarius Toney could return this week as well. What chances may Skyy Moore get this weekend, to boot?

Like Pierce at running back, time will tell who exactly is healthy enough to suit up for the Texans secondary this week. Houston is dealing with injuries to cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and former Chief Steven Nelson. If both were able to play, they can provide physical and frustrating man coverage one-on-one. Rookie safety Jalen Pitre is a versatile chess piece who combines tremendous instincts with improving ball skills and punishing hitting power. Kansas City must be aware of his whereabouts at all times, as a result. Among depth options, Houston also has experienced veterans in Tremon Smith, Desmond King, MJ Stewart and Eric Murray. Each of those players can provide a level of versatility on the backend.

Texans Offensive Line Vs Chiefs Pass Rush

For all of their warts, Houston has plenty of experience on the offensive line. Outside of rookie guard Kenyon Green, everyone else has multiple years of playing time under their belt. The Texans are not great or bad in sacks allowed this season. Currently, they sit in the middle of the pack with 33 sacks allowed, tied for the 14th most sacks allowed. The Texans boast plenty of size, length and potential power upfront. Most notably, offensive tackles Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are the most consistent in keeping their quarterback clean.

As for the Chiefs, this is a similar matchup to last week. On paper, Kansas City should feel like the better group with their pass rush. That is especially true, because of the increased production from the pressures and sacks standpoint. Chris Jones is playing some of his best career football. Arguably, he looks quicker than ever. George Karlaftis continues to find comfort. Entering Week 15, the rookie from Purdue is second in pressures among eligible rookies, with 37. Only Aidan Hutchinson‘s 39 pressures are higher from rookie pass rushers this year. Finally, the Chiefs should be able to depend on veterans like Frank Clark and Carlos Dunlap in matchups like this.

Chiefs Running Backs Vs Texans Linebackers

Week after week, Isiah Pacheco becomes more confident and comfortable. He showed off some toughness to ice last week’s contest. That is an attribute that he is nearly alone at in the Kansas City running back room. Simply, Pacheco’s ability to fight and crawl for extra yards against contact is seemingly unmatched amongst the Chiefs rushers. On the flip side, Pacheco has become more dangerous to corral in the open field. His explosive running style always made him challenging in between the tackles. But right now, Pacheco is getting into a groove in space, knowing when to step on the gas, or when it is necessary to change directions.

Jerick McKinnon had a superb performance last week. Most of that came through the passing game. Nonetheless, McKinnon is a unique weapon to have during this final stretch of the season. His bounce, speed and vision create chunk gain after chunk gain. Furthermore, he is a great change of pace to Pacheco.

At linebacker, Houston is led by veteran Christian Kirksey. He may not be the most dynamic linebacker. But, Kirksey can still offer serviceable range. Others like Christian Harris, Jake Hansen and Jalen Reeves-Maybin all excel when being allowed to work downhill. How will they be able to counteract the Kansas City running backs?

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.