Wild Card Preview: Kansas City Chiefs v.s. Houston Texans

Back in week one, the Chiefs stormed out to a big lead and defeated Hosuton at Reliant Stadium. However, since then both teams have endured significant injuries and have overcome obstacles to clinch a playoff berth, Each team lost their star running back (Arian Foster: Texans and Jamaal Charles: Chiefs) and boast a top five defense. While Houston has overcome a wacky quarterback carousel, Kansas City found insurance from their gifted running back comittee. Today's enticing matchup features great pass rushers, entertining matchups on the outside, and stingy defenses. Each team also ranks top ten in nearly every defensive category and features good deep threats at wide receiver. However, who will be able to execute their game plan and keep their composure?

Projected Score: Chiefs 23 - Texans 20

Bold Predictions:

• Kansas City Chiefs rookie cornerback Marcus Peters will have his hands full with Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Look for Hoyer to target Hopkins early and often against the vulnerbable Peters (set NFL record for most targets in a single-season and has given up more than 1,000 receiving yards). Despite being a playmaker, Hopkins is going to turn on the jets early. Hopkins Projected Stats: 7 Rec 122 Yards 0 TD
• The rushing trio of Dee Ford, Justin Houston, and Tamba Hali are going to put Brian Hoyer under duress all day long. Losing All-Pro left tackle Duane Brown gives Kansas City the opportunity to take advantage of Houston's weaker front. 
• Kansas City's running game in the fourth quarter will open up play-action for the Chiefs Alex Smith. Smith loves using boot-legs to the left side of the field (82.8 Comp. %, 6 TD, 0 INT, 142.2 Passer Rating). 
• JJ Watt is going to manhandle the Chiefs offensive tackles. Kansas City's weak spot on the o-line is at tackle, where Watt usually lines opposite of. This creates a Watt nightmare and the interior of the Chiefs will struggle in the early going. Double Teams will free up Whitney Mercilus, Brian Cushing, and John Simon. Watt will sack Smith twice, but will be slowed down in the second half, due to Clowney's injury. 
• Alfred Blue is going to take a seat against Kansas City's front seven. Dontari Poe and company are going to control the line of scrimmage and give the Chiefs Big Three (Houston, Hali, and Ford) to pressure Brian Hoyer. Blue Projections: 17 Att/51 Yards/0 TD
• Look for Travis Kelce to find holes in Houston's secondary and take advantage of the middle of the field. Kelce is going to come up big and haul in a TD sometime in this game. Travis Kelce Projected Stats: 6 Rec/79 Yards/1 TD 
• Texans corner Jonathan Joseph will impact Chiefs Wide Receiver Jeremy Maclin with some bump and run early in the game. Romeo Crennel is creative when it comes to shutting down team's best weapons. Look for over the top, cover three/four looks. At one point in the game, look for Smith to test Joseph's speed against the agile Maclin (It's going to succeeed once) Maclin projected stats: 5 Rec 77 yards 0 TD
• De'Anthony Thomas is going to pick up key third downs for Kansas City. Look for him in single back sets on third down. Look for Offensive Coordinator Doug Pederson knows how to utilize backs such as Thomas. Look for Thomas to play a Brian Westbrook type role in this offense
• The advantage for both teams on special teams is the punting game. Look for Texans Shane Lechler and the Chiefs Dustin Colquitt pin both offenses deep
• The screen game is something the Chiefs like to use. Keep an eye on defensive backs Kareem Jackson, Joseph, Andre Hall, and A.J. Bouyce. They will use a combination of conservative play, flat zone coverage, and aggressiveness to counter screens

Key Matchups:

• Chiefs Marcus Peters v.s. Texans DeAndre Hopkins
• Chiefs Travis Kelce v.s. Texans Brian Cushing/Andre Hall
• Chiefs Jeremy Maclin v.s. Texans Jonathan Joseph
• Chiefs Dontari Poe v.s. Texans Brandon Brooks
• Chiefs Justin Houston v.s. Texans Derek Newton
• Chiefs Running Game v.s. Texans Front Seven
• Chiefs Offensive Line v.s. Texans JJ Watt
• Chiefs Derrick Johnson v.s. Texans Alfed Blue