From C.J. Stroud using his legs more, to the Texans' ability to run the ball with Joe Mixon behind this offensive line. These are the storylines to follow, plus a prediction from Sean Pendergast ahead of Texans-Chiefs.
1. The return of Azeez
If you remember, Texans starting middle linebacker and team captain Azeez Al-Shaair had just begun serving his three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
So the Texans played this game without one of their best and most valuable defensiv players. Al-Shaair has been a force for the Texans this season and having him back for round two against the Chiefs will be crucial.
2. C.J.'s magic legs
Did y'all see C.J. Stroud moving like he'd never done before in last week's wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers? The Texans could probably use some more of that this week, so don't be surprised if you see some of it.
3. Mr. Jones
Dealing with the Chiefs' defense all starts with blocking Chris Jones up front. It's a lot easier said than done, trying to contain the six-time All Pro. So good luck to this Texans interior offensive line dealing with that.
4. Run, Joe, run!
The Texans absolutely have to be able to run the football with Joe Mixon. If the Chiefs defense can make them one-dimensional, you can forget about Houston advancing to the AFC Championship game for the first time in franchise history.
5. Rust or Mother Nature?
It's supposed to be really cold at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday. That shouldn't surprise anyone in January. This is playoff football weather. Low of 15 degrees, high of 33 degrees is the forecast for Kansas City.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs' starters haven't really played a game in three weeks with the top seed locked up.
6. PENDERGAST PREDICTION – TEXANS 24, CHIEFS 23!
