Chiefs Defeat Texans 23-14, Advance to Seventh-Straight AFC Championship

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs secured their eighth consecutive playoff victory, defeating the Houston Texans 23-14 on Saturday night to advance to their seventh-straight AFC Championship Game. Tight end Travis Kelce starred with seven catches for 117 yards and a touchdown, while the Chiefs’ defense dominated with eight sacks on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.

“I’m proud of our guys for how they handled [the game],” said Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid. “We knocked a little rust off, and everybody stayed positive and with each other…Here we sit [in the] championship game, [and] we’re [humbled] to be in that position.”

The game remained tightly contested until the fourth quarter, when quarterback Patrick Mahomes delivered a pivotal 11-yard touchdown pass to Kelce while being tackled. The play extended the Chiefs’ lead to eight points and shifted momentum decisively in their favor. “That touchdown was unbelievable,” Reid added. “That was incredible for [Patrick] to be able to get his body in position to make that throw.”

Mahomes finished the game with 16 completions on 25 attempts for 177 yards and a touchdown, tying Joe Montana for the second-most postseason wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history (16). Only Tom Brady (35) has more. Kelce’s performance also set a new NFL record, as he now holds the most playoff games with at least 100 receiving yards (9), surpassing Jerry Rice.

The Chiefs’ defense played a critical role, with defensive end George Karlaftis recording three of the team’s eight sacks. “The gameplan that went into it was great,” Karlaftis said. “We talk internally about rushing under an umbrella of discipline – the front half working with the back half. When all of that stuff happens, success usually follows.”

With the win, Kansas City joins the 2001-05 New England Patriots and the 1961-67 Green Bay Packers as one of only three teams in NFL history to win eight consecutive postseason games. The Chiefs will host the AFC Championship Game next week, awaiting the winner of Sunday’s matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.

Reid reported no significant injuries following the game, stating, “Everybody got through it, [and] they’re good. They might have some bumps and bruises, but it’s all good there.”

Kansas City enters the AFC Championship as slight favorites, with oddsmakers giving them a 50.45% chance to win. The Chiefs have a strong playoff history against both potential opponents, including a 3-0 record against Buffalo’s Josh Allen in postseason play.