SNF recap: Texans take down Chiefs, 20-10

The Houston Texans treated their trip to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night like any other game—and came away with a statement victory.

C.J. Stroud threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, Dare Ogunbowale added a go-ahead 5-yard rushing score in the fourth quarter, and Houston’s top-ranked defense kept Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in check, leading the Texans to a 20-10 win over Kansas City. The victory extended Houston’s winning streak to five games and kept them just a game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South race.

Wide receiver Nico Collins contributed four catches for 121 yards, while Stroud praised his defense for a relentless effort. Mahomes, hampered by a depleted offensive line, was just 14 of 33 for 160 yards with three interceptions. The final pick came late in the fourth quarter as the Chiefs tried to force overtime.

The win was a huge boost for Houston’s playoff hopes, while Kansas City fell to 6-7, marking the team’s worst start through 13 games since 2012.

The first half showcased Houston’s dominance and the Chiefs’ struggles. Stroud connected with Collins for 46 and 53-yard gains that set up a field goal and a short touchdown toss to Woody Marks. Meanwhile, Kansas City suffered two more injuries, with left tackle Wanya Morris and cornerback Trent McDuffie leaving the game. The Chiefs managed just 98 first-half yards and trailed 10-0 at halftime, marking only the fourth time in Mahomes’ career the team was scoreless in the first half of a game.

Kansas City briefly cut the deficit to 10-10 in the second half on a Kareem Hunt touchdown run and a Harrison Butker field goal, but the game was ultimately decided on two fourth-down sequences in the fourth quarter. After Houston punted on a fourth-and-1 from its own 35, the Chiefs failed on a fourth-and-1 of their own, and six plays later Ogunbowale ran in the go-ahead score. Rashee Rice later dropped a wide-open fourth-down pass, and Mahomes was intercepted on the final drive to seal the win.

Injuries

Texans: RB Nick Chubb (ribs) left in the first half and did not return.

Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) and RT Jawaan Taylor (triceps) were inactive. Wanya Morris (knee) and CB Trent McDuffie (knee) left in the first half, leaving Kansas City with a patchwork offensive line and without its top defensive back.

Up Next

Texans: Host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

Chiefs: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.