'SNF' takeaways: Chiefs' playoff hopes in serious jeopardy after ugly loss to Texans

The miscues hit a boiling point when tight end Travis Kelce was unable to make a first-down catch, leading to a pick from linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair with just over three minutes remaining.

It all added up to arguably the worst game of Mahomes' career, by going 14-of-33 for 160 yards and three interceptions. It is frankly hard to watch this talented Chiefs offense right now, which continues to beat itself with multiple drops and a lack of explosiveness down the field.

Kansas City's reign as AFC West champion will end after nine consecutive division titles. Not only that, it is in serious danger of missing the playoffs entirely with only a 15% chance to reach the postseason, according to NFL.com's playoff probability.

Texans improve playoff positioning in defensive battle

Houston has been the best defense in the league this season, and Sunday night was no different. Aside from giving up 10 points in the third quarter, the Texans did not give the Chiefs many opportunities to score and made some key plays when they needed to.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud was only 15-of-31 for 203 yards and one TD, but delivered some clutch throws when he had to. Dare Ogunbowale, who only had three carries for 18 yards entering the night, scored the game-winning TD with under seven minutes to play, making the Chiefs pay for the fourth-down decision.

With another loss from the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the Texans (8-5) move into the playoff picture and only sit one game back of the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4). 

Offensive line injuries piling up for Chiefs

Coming into the game, the Chiefs were without guard Trey Smith (right ankle) and tackles Josh Simmons (left wrist) and Jawaan Taylor (left triceps/knee). Those injuries were only compounded when tackle Wanya Morris (left knee) was helped off the field after the first play of the game.

For a team that has only gone 1-6 in one-score games this season after an NFL-record 17 straight wins in such games entering 2025, results have been much harder to come by for the Chiefs (6-7). While only two sacks were allowed on Sunday night, a banged-up offensive line is certainly not ideal for a team with its playoff hopes in the balance.

Texans defense stifles Kansas City

Although the Chiefs got some momentum rolling in the third quarter to tie the game at 10, Houston's league-leading defense made it miserable on Mahomes and company throughout the game.

Safety Jalen Pitre and cornerback Kamari Lassiter were the stars defensively with multiple pass breakups and two of the team's interceptions. The picks from Al-Shaair and Lassiter are the latest examples of Houston's elite fourth-quarter defense that came into Week 14 allowing only 3.1 points and forcing 11 takeaways.