The NFL season is finally back! The Chiefs and Texans are set to kick off the NFL season, a rematch of last year’s AFC divisional game.
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A match-up of star quarterbacks
Deshaun Watson vs. Patrick Mahomes. Two of the game’s best (and the two richest) quarterbacks will go head to head for the third time in their careers.
In their first clash, Watson’s Texans took home a narrow 31-24 win after rallying back from down 17-3 in the first quarterback. However, neither quarterback played particularly well and Mahomes was playing on a gimpy ankle. Additionally, Tyreek Hill was playing for the first time since week one.
He still managed to pull in this catch, however.
In their second match-up, things seemed to be going Watson’s way as the Texans famously built up a 24-0 lead. That lead lasted all of one quarter as Kansas City would destroy Houston 51-31. Remember this play?
Nevertheless, it’s always a treat when we get to see these quarterbacks play. They’re the faces for the future of the league and have dazzled fans the last few years with their electric play.
Also read: 2020 NFL Rankings: Top 10 Richest Quarterbacks in The NFL With Contract Details
Off-season changeover?
Kansas City managed to bring back their core team from a year ago. Meanwhile, Houston underwent severe personnel turnover.
The Hopkins trade is set to dramatically alter the Texans’ offensive game plan as he was always the focal point. It’ll be interesting to see how the speedy duo of Brandin Cooks and Will Fuller can challenge the Chiefs defence.
Moreover, Randall Cobb will also slide into the role of the slot receiver giving the Texans depth they hadn’t had before.
David Johnson will also finally be healthy and it remains to be seen whether he can match his production from 2016 when he was a pro bowler and first-team all-pro. He also looks to replace Carlos Hyde’s production as the Texans leading rusher from a year ago.
The expectations are high from him as he was the key piece in the Hopkins trade.
Key injuries
Kansas City had a few notables on their initial injury list. Both tight end Travis Kelce, knee, and defensive tackle, Derrick Nnadi, ankle, went through limited practice on Monday, but their status was upgraded to full participation along with running back Darrel Williams, hamstring.
For the Texans, wide receiver Brandin Cooks is listed as questionable with a quad injury. Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, ankle, and fullback Cullen Gillaspia, hamstring are listed as questionable too.
Where, when, and how to watch Chiefs vs. Texans?
The game will kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET on September 10th. The game will be aired on NBC. It can also be streamed online via NBC Sports, fuboTV, Sling, and Hulu with Live TV (rates apply).
Additionally, the game will feature limited occupancy at 22% capacity (around 16,800 fans total) as the Chiefs are one of the venues set to host fans this year.
Also read: Which NFL stadiums will be allowing fans in attendance for the 2020 season?
Chiefs vs. Texans prediction
With all the offensive firepower in this game, it could very well be a shootout. However, I don’t trust the new-look Texans offense just yet. Deshaun Watson didn’t get the advantage of the preseason to build chemistry with his new receivers and one of them may not even play this game.
My prediction: Chiefs 31, Texans 17
