KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 21: Jaden Hicks #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass intended for Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans in the first quarter of a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
The NFL playoffs are one of the most thrilling events on the sports calendar, bringing together the league’s best teams in high-stakes, win-or-go-home matchups. One of the most anticipated games in the 2020 season’s Divisional Round is the battle between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams have had successful regular seasons and are now poised to take their postseason ambitions to the next level. In this guide, we’ll dive into all the details of the game, including how to watch, the kickoff time, and what fans can expect from each team as they go head-to-head.
1. Game Overview
The Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs are two of the most exciting teams in the NFL. The Chiefs, led by MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes, are perennial Super Bowl contenders, while the Texans, with Deshaun Watson at quarterback, have demonstrated resilience and talent. The Divisional Round matchup between these teams promises to deliver high-octane football, with both squads capable of putting up big points.
The game will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, a venue known for its raucous crowd and home-field advantage for the Chiefs. Kansas City has had a stellar season, finishing with one of the best records in the AFC, while the Texans had to win a hard-fought Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills to advance to this point.
2. Kickoff Time and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, January 12, 2020
- Kickoff Time: 3:05 PM ET (2:05 PM CT)
- TV Network: CBS
- Streaming Options: Fans can stream the game through CBS All Access, NFL Game Pass, or the CBS Sports app. Additionally, streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV may carry the game.
If you’re looking to watch the game, you have plenty of options, whether you’re at home on your couch or on the go. CBS will broadcast the game on traditional TV, while a range of streaming platforms will provide access for fans who prefer to watch on mobile devices or laptops.
3. The Houston Texans: Overcoming the Odds
The Houston Texans enter the Divisional Round with a wild card victory under their belt, having defeated the Buffalo Bills in a thrilling game that featured multiple overtime periods. Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback, was the hero in that game, leading the Texans to victory despite a number of challenges. Watson’s ability to perform in clutch moments will be critical for the Texans as they take on the high-powered Kansas City offense.
Key Players to Watch:
- Deshaun Watson (QB): Watson is the cornerstone of the Texans’ offense, capable of making spectacular plays with his arm and legs. He will need to play at an elite level to keep pace with Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR): One of the league’s best wide receivers, Hopkins is a go-to target for Watson. His ability to win contested catches and make plays after the catch will be crucial.
- J.J. Watt (DE): The future Hall of Famer is back from injury and has the ability to disrupt the pocket and generate pressure on Mahomes. Watt’s presence could be the difference-maker on defense.
In the Wild Card round, the Texans’ defense showed some vulnerabilities, especially in their secondary. Against the Chiefs, they will need to find ways to disrupt Patrick Mahomes’ rhythm and avoid letting the Kansas City offense get too comfortable. The Texans’ defense, while talented, will face a tall order trying to stop one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.
4. The Kansas City Chiefs: Super Bowl Contenders
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off another incredible season under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and the reigning MVP, Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, clinching the second seed in the AFC and securing a first-round bye. This gives them a significant advantage, as they have had additional time to rest and prepare for their Divisional Round matchup.
Key Players to Watch:
- Patrick Mahomes (QB): Mahomes is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history. His ability to make throws from any platform, including deep passes, is unmatched. Expect Mahomes to test the Texans’ defense early and often.
- Travis Kelce (TE): As Mahomes’ favorite target, Kelce is one of the top tight ends in the league. His size, athleticism, and route running make him a matchup nightmare for defenders. The Texans’ defense will need to find a way to limit Kelce’s production if they hope to contain the Chiefs’ offense.
- Tyreek Hill (WR): Hill’s speed and playmaking ability are unmatched, and he is a constant deep threat. The Texans will need to be disciplined in their coverage of Hill to avoid giving up big plays.
The Chiefs’ offense is among the most potent in the NFL, capable of scoring in a hurry from anywhere on the field. However, the Chiefs’ defense has been inconsistent at times this season. While they have a solid pass rush led by Frank Clark, they can sometimes be exposed by high-powered offenses. If the Texans can get off to a fast start, it could put pressure on the Chiefs’ defense to make stops.
5. Key Matchups to Watch
- Deshaun Watson vs. Chiefs Secondary: Watson will need to find a way to exploit the Chiefs’ secondary, which has had its share of struggles this season. If Watson can take advantage of mismatches and find DeAndre Hopkins and other receivers in space, the Texans could make it a high-scoring affair.
- Patrick Mahomes vs. Texans Pass Rush: While Mahomes is known for his ability to make plays on the move, the Texans’ pass rush, led by J.J. Watt, can cause problems for quarterbacks. If the Texans can pressure Mahomes and force him out of the pocket, they could disrupt the Chiefs’ offensive flow.
- Travis Kelce vs. Texans Linebackers: Kelce is a big target in the middle of the field, and the Texans’ linebackers will need to be on their game to limit his impact. If Kelce has a big day, it could open up other areas of the Chiefs’ offense, including deep passes to Tyreek Hill.
6. What’s at Stake?
For both teams, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this game will move on to the AFC Championship game, with a chance to play for a spot in Super Bowl LIV. Both teams have championship aspirations, and this game will serve as a crucial test for both their offenses and defenses. For the Texans, a win would be a significant step forward in their quest for a Super Bowl, while the Chiefs are looking to continue their championship window and take advantage of their elite roster.
Kansas City, with its high-flying offense, is considered by many to be the favorite in this matchup. However, the Texans have shown they can compete with the best, especially after their thrilling win over the Bills. The game promises to be a shootout, with both teams capable of scoring in bunches.
7. Predictions and Expectations
This game has the makings of an offensive showdown, and it’s expected to be one of the most entertaining matchups of the 2020 NFL playoffs. The Texans will need to keep up with Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense, which has proven to be difficult for many teams this season. However, if Watson can execute at a high level and the Texans’ defense can make a few timely stops, they could pull off the upset.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, are a well-rounded team with a potent offense and a defense that can rise to the occasion when needed. While the Texans will make it competitive, Kansas City’s home-field advantage and firepower will likely prove to be too much in the end.
Final Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 35, Houston Texans 28.
This game is expected to be a thrilling, high-scoring contest, with both teams trading blows throughout. While the Texans have the talent to hang with the Chiefs, Kansas City’s overall firepower and postseason experience give them the edge. The Chiefs will advance to the AFC Championship game, where they will continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
