How the Chiefs Will Advance to the AFC Championship: 5 Keys to Divisional Round Victory

Zack Cook
Host · Writer
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Patrick Mahomes is Patrick Mahomes
If Patrick Mahomes continues to take his game to another level in the postseason for the Kansas City Chiefs, all you can say is good luck to the Houston Texans. Mahomes has had some pedestrian regular seasons over the last two years, but we all know what he's capable of in the playoffs, especially at home. We saw Mahomes playing much better down the stretch, and if that continues on Saturday, the Texans are in big trouble.
Texans vs. Chiefs Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
Chris Jones Goes on Another Postseason Tear
If you were to look for an MVP of the Chiefs postseason run last year, Chris Jones put forth a dynamite resume to grab the award. Jones has the talent to disrupt an offense all by himself, whether clogging rushing lanes or getting the quarterback. The Texans' offensive line has stood out like a sore thumb this year as a weakness, and Jones can pile onto this weak spot.
Spread: Chiefs -8.5 | Moneyline: Chiefs -460 | Texans +350 | Total: 41.5
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Isiah Pacheco Runs the Football at a High Clip
Running the football at a high clip remains a major offensive focal point for the Chiefs. Injuries put a wrench into Isiah Pacheco's plans this year, but we know the importance of the role he played during their postseason run last year. Pacheco will be tasked with a similar role in the Divisional Round against the Texans. He has the burst and creativity to be a difference-maker in the Chiefs' backfield, something they were missing for large chunks of the year.
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Steve Spagnuolo Makes Stroud Uncomfortable
It's not exactly difficult to view Steve Spagnuolo as the top defensive coordinator in the NFL. Some of the looks and stunts that he helps draw up for the Chiefs on defense help elevate this unit to a different level. The Chiefs are looking to three-peat as Super Bowl champs because of how they play defense, and Spagnuolo's game plans and adjustments are a big reason for that.
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Xavier Worthy has Multiple Splash Plays
Down the stretch for the Chiefs, a big key to their offense has been the continued growth of rookie wideout Xavier Worthy. Over his last four games, Worthy has hauled in 26 catches and three touchdowns. With the inconsistencies we've seen from the Chiefs pass catchers this year, Worthy taking his game to another level for the Chiefs will make this offense even more dynamic. Speed kills, and Worthy has plenty of that.
Check out The Smylie Show on SportsGrid
Patrick Mahomes is Patrick Mahomes
If Patrick Mahomes continues to take his game to another level in the postseason for the Kansas City Chiefs, all you can say is good luck to the Houston Texans. Mahomes has had some pedestrian regular seasons over the last two years, but we all know what he's capable of in the playoffs, especially at home. We saw Mahomes playing much better down the stretch, and if that continues on Saturday, the Texans are in big trouble.
Texans vs. Chiefs Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates

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