The Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans will kick off the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The wait is over. The 2025 NFL Divisional Round playoffs begin today with a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will host a game that promises to be a thrilling showdown to determine the first team to qualify for the AFC Championship.
The Chiefs Must Prove What They’re Capable Of
Statistics favor the Chiefs as the favorites to win this game. With the No. 1 seed in the AFC, earned through their impressive 15-2 record, Kansas City enters the game with a strong resume. However, during the regular season, there were more than a few games where last-minute miracles were needed to save the Chiefs.
Now, after a week of rest and with a must-win game ahead, the Chiefs must prove that their 15-win season wasn’t just an illusion or a stroke of luck. As the reigning champions, they’re vying for a three-peat and their third consecutive Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl LIX.
The Texans Will Need to Play a Perfect Game
While the Chiefs didn’t often blow out their opponents with lopsided scores, the Texans must remain wary of the individual quality Kansas City possesses. When these stars come together, they’re nearly unstoppable. To beat the Chiefs, Houston will need to deliver a flawless performance.
One advantage Houston might have is their preparation and momentum following their Wild Card victory against the Chargers. The Texans showed great form in that game, although the final score was influenced by several costly mistakes from Los Angeles. As such, Houston cannot afford to be overconfident.
Chiefs Lead the Historical Record
With a 10-8 advantage over the Texans, Kansas City also has history on their side. Houston hasn’t beaten the Chiefs since 2019. Their most recent matchups in 2020, 2022, and 2024 all ended in victories for Kansas City.
The last encounter between these two franchises took place less than a month ago, on December 21, 2024, when Kansas City defeated Houston 27-19.
