With the AFC playoff picture tightening by the week, the Kansas City Chiefs are staring down a must-win matchup against a surging Houston Texans squad-and head coach Andy Reid knows exactly what’s at stake.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Reid didn’t sugarcoat the situation. The offensive line, already tested throughout the season, is now facing another hurdle.
Josh Simmons has been placed on injured reserve following wrist surgery, and several other starters are dealing with limitations. In a league where trench play often dictates the outcome, that’s a concern-especially with the Texans' defense playing at an elite level.
Houston enters this game boasting the league’s top-ranked defense, and they’ve earned it. Their front seven is relentless, their secondary is opportunistic, and they don’t give quarterbacks much room to breathe. That’s the challenge Reid and his offensive staff are preparing for: keeping Patrick Mahomes upright and giving him the time he needs to work his magic.
Reid emphasized that the margin for error is razor-thin right now. Penalties and execution issues-things that have popped up too often for Kansas City this season-can’t be part of the equation this Sunday. Against a defense like Houston’s, one holding call or missed assignment can derail an entire drive.
One bright spot Reid highlighted is the leadership of center Creed Humphrey. With injuries piling up, having a steady presence in the middle of the line is more important than ever. Humphrey’s ability to make pre-snap reads, communicate protections, and anchor the interior has been critical-and it’ll need to be again this weekend.
Reid kept his message to the team simple: “We have to take care of the little things.” That’s not just coach-speak-it’s the blueprint.
Clean up the penalties, tighten up the fundamentals, and execute when it matters. That’s how you win in December.
Coming off a tough outing against the Cowboys, the Chiefs are looking to bounce back in a big way. The Texans won’t make it easy, but Reid knows his group has the talent and experience to rise to the occasion. Now it’s about putting it all together-with a playoff berth hanging in the balance.