The Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) host the Houston Texans (7-5) to cap off Sunday in Week 14.
It’s a rematch of the AFC divisional round playoff game from last season, which saw the Chiefs earn a 23-14 win. Kansas City has won the previous five meetings with Houston, but things look much more bleak for the reigning AFC champs entering tonight’s game.
If the season ended before Week 14, both the Texans and Chiefs would miss the playoffs. It’s rare territory for Kansas City who has won nine consecutive AFC West titles and has appeared in seven AFC championship games over that span.
Patrick Mahomes is playing at an MVP level, but his supporting cast has been inconsistent, and they have just five games left to qualify for the playoffs.
The visitors are in pursuit of the AFC South title, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts. They were in third entering Sunday and have won four straight, making a surge behind an outstanding defense.
Standout edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are key players in tonight’s game as the Chiefs’ offensive line has numerous injuries. Left tackle Josh Simmons (IR), right tackle Jawaan Taylor, and guard Trey Smith are not expected to play. Mahomes has been sacked at least three times in five straight and will have his hands full against the NFL’s top-ranked defense.
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud has struggled at times this season behind his much beleaguered offensive line. Houston’s offense ranks 21st in points per game (21.9).
Despite its struggles, Kansas City has averaged 25.4 points per game (ninth-best in the NFL) and ranks second in offensive EPA per play, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
The Chiefs are in desperation mode, and Houston is playing with a ton of confidence. Both teams are looking to gain momentum in the AFC playoff picture with a win tonight.
USA TODAY Sports will provide updates, analysis and highlights from the Week 14 ‘Sunday Night Football’ matchup below. All times are Eastern.
What TV channel is Sunday Night Football? How to watch Chiefs-Texans
TV channel: NBC
Live stream: Peacock, NFL+
NBC is the broadcast home of ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Mike Tirico will be on the call alongside Cris Collinsworth. Melissa Stark will provide updates from the sidelines.
Watch ‘Sunday Night Football’ with Peacock
What time is the Chiefs vs. Texans game?
Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET | 6:20 p.m. MT
The ‘SNF’ matchup between the Chiefs and Texans will get underway at 8:20 p.m. ET, the customary start time for ‘SNF.’
Chiefs-Texans live stream
Live stream:Peacock, NFL+
Peacock, NBC’s proprietary streaming service, will broadcast ‘SNF.’
Watch ‘Sunday Night Football’ with Peacock
Chiefs vs. Texans picks, predictions
Here’s how the expert panel at USA TODAY Sports sees this game shaking out:
Jarrett Bell: Texans, 24-23
Nick Brinkerhoff: Texans, 27-23
Chris Bumbaca: Chiefs, 22-19
Nate Davis: Texans, 23-20
Tyler Dragon: Chiefs, 25-20
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chiefs, 24-23
Chiefs vs. Texans odds, moneyline, O/U
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.
Moneyline (ML): Kansas City -185 (Bet $185 to win $100) | Houston +154 (Bet $100 to win $154)
Against the spread (ATS): Kansas City -3.5 (-110) | Houston +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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What time is the Chiefs game today?
The Chiefs vs. Texans game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 7. Kansas City will host the game at Arrowhead Stadium as both teams look to improve their position in the AFC playoff picture.
AFC West standings
The Chiefs enter ‘Sunday Night Football’ third in the AFC West.
Denver Broncos (10-2)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
Chiefs schedule 2025
Chiefs vs. Texans injury report
Texans schedule 2025
AFC South standings
The Texans enter tonight’s game in third place in the AFC South:
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
Houston Texans (7-5)
Tennessee Titans (2-11)
