Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are on the cusp of clinching the No. 1 seed within the AFC. They defeated the Houston Texans 27-19 throughout a Saturday matchup of two division winners.
Mahomes got here into the sport with a gentle high-ankle sprain, however he didn’t seem hobbled by the harm. The Chiefs quarterback handed for 260 yards and a landing within the win. He additionally ran for a rating.
Saturday was the Chiefs’ final regular-season recreation at GEHA Area at Arrowhead Stadium, though the Chiefs will probably be again in entrance of their house followers for the playoffs as they start their quest to win a historic third consecutive Tremendous Bowl.
USA TODAY Sports activities examines the winners and losers from the Week 16 AFC recreation:
Winners
Chiefs’ purpose of No. 1 seed
The highway to Tremendous Bowl 59 seems to be prefer it’s going by way of Kansas Metropolis. The Chiefs can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win subsequent week or a Payments loss Sunday.
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Dwelling-field benefit
The Chiefs went undefeated at house throughout the common season, an ideal 8-0. It is the primary time since 2003 that Kansas Metropolis hasn’t misplaced a house recreation throughout an everyday season.
Patrick Mahomes’ ankles
Andy Reid mentioned Mahomes “might need the loosest ankles in America.” The Chiefs head coach is likely to be proper. Mahomes wasn’t affected a lot by his tender ankle.
Mahomes scrambled up the center for a 15-yard landing on Kansas Metropolis’s first possession.
Mahomes sprained his ankle on the finish of Kansas Metropolis’s Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Trent McDuffie
The Chiefs prime cornerback has recorded an interception in every of the previous two weeks after not having an interception within the first two years of his profession. He had 5 tackles, two tackles for loss and one cross deflection.
Xavier Worthy
The speedster was concerned in Kansas Metropolis’s offense all recreation. The Texas product produced 10 touches, 75 yards from scrimmage and a landing.
Losers
AFC
As talked about above, the highway to Tremendous Bowl 59 within the AFC will seemingly undergo Kansas Metropolis. That’s unhealthy information for the remainder of the convention. The Chiefs are undefeated at GEHA Area at Arrowhead Stadium this yr and Mahomes is 12-2 at house within the postseason.
Houston turnovers
Stroud had two uncharacteristic interceptions within the first half. His two picks led to 10 Kansas Metropolis factors.
Texans offense after Tank Dell harm
Tank Dell suffered a ugly left knee harm when he hauled in a 30-yard landing reception. Dell’s knee received twisted up with huge receiver Jared Wayne as he was tackled to the bottom.
Stroud and lots of of Dell’s teammates have been visibly emotional after the play. It was unimaginable Dell was capable of maintain on to the soccer regardless of the intense knee harm. He was finally carted off the sphere.
Houston missed the following additional level try.
The Texans have been coping with accidents at huge receiver all season. Nico Collins missed 5 video games this yr as a consequence of a hamstring harm and Stefon Diggs sustained a season-ending knee harm in October.
Dell exited with six catches, 98 yards and a landing.
Observe USA TODAY Sports activities’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.