Texans Surge Into Playoff Picture With Statement Win Over Chiefs
The Houston Texans are heating up at just the right time. After a turbulent start to the 2025 season, they’ve rattled off five straight wins - the latest coming in a statement victory over the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. With that win, Houston improves to 8-5 and now finds itself firmly in the AFC playoff picture.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a team getting hot. This is a team figuring out who it is - and more importantly, who it can be.
The Texans didn’t just beat the Chiefs; they may have delivered the knockout blow to Kansas City’s playoff chances. And they did it with the kind of composure and grit that’s been missing from past Texans squads.
A Playoff Spot Within Reach
With the win, Houston now holds the final AFC playoff spot - edging past the Colts thanks to last week’s head-to-head victory. According to NextGen Stats, the Texans now have an 87% chance to make the postseason, whether that’s as a wild card or by overtaking the Jaguars for the AFC South crown.
If the season ended today, Houston would be heading to New England for a wild card matchup. It’s not the easiest path, but for a franchise that’s been clawing its way out of the rebuild phase, it’s a significant step forward.
The AFC Playoff Picture After Week 14
Here’s how the AFC stacks up after Week 14:
- Denver Broncos (11-2) - AFC West leader
- New England Patriots (11-2) - AFC East leader
- Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) - AFC South leader
- Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) - AFC North leader
- Buffalo Bills (9-4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
- Houston Texans (8-5)
On the bubble:
- Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-7)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
- Miami Dolphins (6-7)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
Eliminated:
- New York Jets (3-10)
- Cleveland Browns (3-10)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
- Tennessee Titans (2-11)
Ending the Chiefs’ Run
This win wasn’t just big for Houston - it was devastating for Kansas City. The Chiefs haven’t missed the playoffs since 2014, but barring a miracle, that streak is over.
The Texans didn’t just outplay them; they outlasted them. When Kansas City made a push late in the game, past Texans teams might’ve folded.
Not this one.
This version of the Texans is different. They’re resilient, they’re confident, and they’re learning how to close out games - even against the NFL’s elite.
Eyes on the Division
While Houston doesn’t control the AFC South just yet, the Jaguars’ grip on the division is anything but secure. If the Texans can keep this momentum rolling, they’re in position to make a serious run at the title - and potentially host a playoff game for the first time since 2019.
Even if they don’t catch Jacksonville, this defense is built to travel. They’ve shown they can win gritty games on the road, and that’s exactly the kind of identity you want heading into January.
Final Thoughts
Five straight wins. A playoff spot within grasp.
And a win over the AFC champs to get there. The Texans aren’t just in the hunt - they’re making noise.
And if this team keeps playing with the same edge and execution, they won’t just be a playoff team. They’ll be a dangerous one.