NFL: Mahomes, Kelce Help Chiefs Beat Texans

ꦇPatrick Mahomes has never lost in the divisional round of the playoffs with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Houston Texans still have never won. With the Chiefs’ star quarterback hitting best buddy Travis Kelce seven times for 117 yards and a touchdown and a pass rush that dragged Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud to the ground eight times, Kansas City rolled to a 23-14 victory Saturday that sent the two-time defending Super Bowl champions to the AFC title game for the seventh consecutive season. The Chiefs are the fourth team in NFL history to follow back-to-back Lombardi Trophies by advancing to the conference title game, and the three previous lost. They will try to change that at Arrowhead Stadium next weekend against the Bills or Ravens, who play on Sunday in Buffalo for a shot at dethroning the defending champs.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 19 January 2025 9:29 am

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Texans Chiefs Football | Photo: AP/Charlie Riedel

🉐Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates following an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans in Kansas City, Mo.

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Chiefs Texans Football | Photo: AP/Ed Zurga

✨Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) has his field goal attempt blocked by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game in Kansas City, Mo.

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NFL Texans Chiefs Football | Photo: AP/Ed Zurga

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) celebrates sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game in Kansas City, Mo.

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NFL Chiefs Texans Football | Photo: AP/Charlie Riedel

𒐪Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates after making a 27-yard field goal during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans in Kansas City, Mo.

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NFL Football AFC Divisional Playoff Game | Photo: AP/Charlie Riedel

🌄Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) catches a pass as Houston Texans cornerback Myles Bryant, right, defends during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game in Kansas City, Mo.

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NFL Playoffs | Photo: AP/Ed Zurga

🎐Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks on the sidelines with head coach Andy Reid, right, during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans in Kansas City, Mo.

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NFL Football | Photo: AP/Charlie Riedel

ꦬKansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce catches a pass as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) and safety Eric Murray (23) defend during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game in Kansas City, Mo.

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AFC Championship Game | Photo: AP/Ed Zurga

🔯Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Travis Kelce under pressure from Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game in Kansas City, Mo.

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Kansas City Chiefs vs Houston Texans | Photo: AP/Charlie Riedel

𓄧Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo.

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Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs | Photo: AP/Travis Heying

♋Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu (90) celebrates after forcing a fumble by Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game in Kansas City, Mo.