Match-Up: Kansas City Chiefs (5 Seed) @ Houston Texans (4 Seed)
Spread: Chiefs (-3.5)
When: Saturday, January 9th, 4:20 PM
Where to Watch: ESPN/ABC
Kansas City Chiefs Overview
Record: 11-5
It could not have started worse for the Chiefs. They were looking at a 1-5 record lost all-pro running back Jamaal Charles for the year and needed to do something to turn around this season. Well it seems as though trusting Andy Reid as well as the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series is exactly what the Chiefs needed. They have rattled off the last 10 wins of the season coming into the playoffs as arguably the hottest team in football. While before they relied heavily on their run game and Alex Smith it is primarily their defense that has surged this 10 game win streak.
The Underrated X-Factor
Justin Houston (LB) – Houston had one of the best seasons you could ask for out of pass rushing linebacker last year. He signed a huge contract this offseason and has not lived up to this contract to this point in the season. He has be plagued with injuries but is finally looking heathy and at just the right time. I look for a dynamic player like Houston to really leave his mark on this game and be a key reason why the chiefs advance. I see him having over 7 tackles and 2 sacks on Sat.
Houston Texans Overview
Record: 9-7
Hoyer?? Weeden?? This season has been a carousel at the QB position for the Houston Texans and that will not stop entering the playoffs as we are not sure which QB will get the nod to start. The one bright spot for the texans has been they have 2 of the most dynamic players in all of football. DeAndre Hopkins has emerged onto the seen in his 3rd and JJ Watt has continued his dominance we have seen over the last few years and will likely earn the nod as defensive player of the year again.
Underrated X-Factor
Vince Wilfork (DT) – He is a guy coming into this game with a lot of playoff and superbowl experience. He needs to clog up the middle and slow down the Chiefs run game early. If the Chiefs cannot run the ball successfully it will limit their strong play action pass offense and will open up some rush opportunities for JJ Watt. If Wilfork plays well he will help give this Texans defense a chance against a good smart offense led by Alex Smith.
Important Match-Ups
The Texans Defensive Line Vs. The Chiefs Offensive Line
Both these units are the reason why these teams are in a position to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Key matchup though is Eric fisher the former first overall pick having to deal with JJ Watt. I think Watt will win this matchup, but if Fisher can limit him to only a few big plays I do not think it will be enough for the Texans to pull off the win.
Edge: Chiefs (If Fisher can limit Watt otherwise it will be a long day for Alex Smith)
The Texans Receivers Vs. The Chiefs Secondary
DeAndre Hopkins has been one of the best receivers in the league this season. But, the Chiefs secondary has been amazing the last 10 games.I will look for probable defensive rookie of the year Marcus Peters to have the honor of guarding Hopkins. I think the Chiefs will have coverage over the top with Eric Berry playing out of this world coming back from Cancer.
Edge: Chiefs
Prediction
The Chiefs are the hottest team in football and their defense is playing beyond anyone can imagine. Houston and Hali will be too much for the offensive line of the Texans to handle and the Chiefs will run away with it.
Chiefs Win 33-17
Lane
