Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs Prediction & Picks - NFL

Thanks to the bye week, the Chiefs will enter the playoffs relatively healthy. However, the time off could be a detriment to them in the end. Why? Because Kansas City has not played a competitive game since Christmas. With that much time off, some rust is expected. If the Houston defense plays like it did last week vs. the Chargers, they may struggle to knock it off. KC cornerback Jaylen Watson could be in line for a shock return to the starting lineup on Saturday. The third year man has been on Injured Reserve since suffering a fractured fibula in Week 7, but he has returned to practice this week and if he is fit enough to suit up against the Texans it will give KC a huge boost. Other key players such as Chris Jones and Isiah Pacheco have been limited in practice, but are expected to be fully recovered from minor injuries in time for Saturday's game.

Houston's main injury concern is regarding star running back Joe Mixon, who is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury suffered against LA. WR Robert Woods and TE Dwight Schultz are also injury doubts, however, the outlook appears much more positive for star defensive end Will Anderson, who came through practice unscathed following a hand/elbow knock last weekend. Stefon Diggs saw his first season in Houston end early and Tank Dell was lost to a knee injury just a few weeks ago. Shaq Mason is out, and tight end Cade Stover is out for the remainder of the playoffs after fracturing his collarbone vs. the Chargers. Several players have been listed as ‘questionable’ on injury reports, including wide receiver Robert Woods, offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, and defensive end Denico Autry.