The Houston Texans will look to take down the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday in an NFL Divisional Round matchup.
The Texans are coming off a 32-12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers during Wild Card weekend, while the Chiefs emerge from a first-round bye following a 15-2 season.
Many starters on both sides of the ball for the Chiefs have not played since their Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, giving them plenty of time for recovery. "I think you'll see a different Travis Kelce," Sam McDowell, sports columnist for The Kansas City Star, said.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones also benefited from rest and returned to practice as a full participant Tuesday after suffering a strained calf against the Texans in Week 16.
However, with multiple weeks off and the Chiefs' 15-game winning streak in games decided by one score or less this season, the Texans hope to complete the upset and advance to the franchise's first AFC Championship.
"I definitely think the Chiefs are susceptible," McDowell said.
The Texans' offense had one of their best performances of the season in the win over the Chargers but will have to overcome protection issues against Steve Spagnuolo's strong defense to earn a victory in Kansas City.
"They haven't performed well against the blitz all season," McDowell said.
Photo: Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images