How the Texans Can Upset the Chiefs: 5 Keys to a Houston Divisional Playoffs Victory

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Joe Mixon is Efficient and Texans Win Time of Possession

If the Texans want to pull off the stunning upset as nearly double-digit underdogs, they need to run the football well and dominate time of possession. Keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field is a key factor for the Texans, and Joe Mixon can play a significant role in that. Mixon rushed for over 100 yards last week against the Chargers, and he'll likely be tasked with another significant workload this weekend in Kansas City. The Texans' offensive line has had its issues this season, and they need to hold up on Saturday against a formidable Chiefs defensive front. 

Spread: Chiefs -8.5 | Moneyline: Chiefs -460 | Texans +350 | Total: 41.5

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Nico Collins Capitalizes on Splash Plays

It's hardly a secret that Nico Collins is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. With the Texans' injuries in their wide receiver room, Collins will have to put together an exceptional showing in the Divisional Round against the Chiefs. Collins did everything in his power on offense to create momentum last week for the Texans, and he'll be called upon in an even bigger way on the road in Arrowhead. 

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Danielle Hunter Disrupts the Game

The Texans have a defense that can get to the quarterback at a high clip. If they have any chance to pull off this upset, Danielle Hunter and others will have to earn their paychecks on Saturday. The Texans' defense played exceptionally well last week against the Chargers, and a big reason for that was the pressure they created to help force turnovers. The Chiefs are at least somewhat vulnerable on their offensive line, which is an area the Texans need to dominate on the line of scrimmage. 

DeMeco Ryans Coaches the Game of His Life

If the Texans want to keep this close, DeMeco Ryans has to have some tricks up his sleeve. Ryans and the Texans had a great game plan against the Chargers last week, but the Chiefs are a different animal. Most expect the Chiefs to have a significant edge in the coaching department, but if the Texans can learn from their mistakes against the Chiefs from earlier this year and correct them, they can be in this football game. Ryans needs to inspire his team to believe that and coach the game of his life on the road. 

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