Chiefs vs Texans: Staff writer predictions

For the upcoming Chiefs vs Texans NFL Playoff game, the staff writing team of The Jet Press weighed in their thoughts.

Dec 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) on the sideline during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Houston won 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the NY Jets are out of the NFL Playoffs, we here at The Jet Press are just as excited as many football fans are for the postseason. With teams earning their spots to those that squeaked in, this postseason promises to be one to remember.

The Chiefs have been riding some major momentum straight into the postseason. Many believe they got hot at the right time and can be a team to fear if they continue playing as well as they have. For the Texans, they are a Cinderella team that never gave up and are led by one of the best defensive ends playing today in J.J. Watt.

Here are some predictions by the staff writing team of The Jet Press for what should be an exciting game between the Chiefs and Texans.

Next: Texans pull the upset by field goal

Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans pull the upset by field goal Luis Tirado Jr.: Twitter – Facebook – Google+

The Texans aren’t perfect but they’ve proven to continue playing with heart, determination and an undying will to keep up with the best the NFL has to offer. Quarterback Brian Hoyer has cleared the NFL concussion protocol and gets to start for the first time of his career in the playoffs.

With a very good wide receiver corps and a defense that should be able to get to Alex Smith early and often, I’m predicting the Texans will absolutely bring it to the Chiefs. Especially playing at home in Texas, the home field advantage will prove to be a difference maker if the crowd truly gets into this match-up from start to finish.

I’m calling for the upset of the weekend with the Texans edging out the Chiefs by a dramatic game-winning field goal. Texans win 17-14.

Next: Chiefs will continue playing great football

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will continue playing great football Jason Rodriguez: Twitter

I will be picking the Chiefs over the Texans because of the winning streak the Kansas City are on. The Chiefs are playing great football on both sides of the ball with the offense on a role and the defense stepping big in the second half of the year.

The amount of points that could be scored in this game are enough that the Texans won’t be able to handle because they don’t have enough fire power to keep up with the Chiefs. The Texans will be keeping it a close game and Watt will have a big game but at the end the Chiefs will be pulling away.

Next: Chiefs will wipe the floor with Texans

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Ron Parker (38) celebrates after making an interception against the Oakland Raiders in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will wipe the floor with Texans Danielle McCartan: Twitter

The 9-7 Texans have no business being in the 2016 playoffs, and certainly not as the 4th seed.  Their wins come in a soft schedule and an in an even softer division.  They compete in the AFC South, whose average winning percentage for the regular season was an awful .391.

The Chiefs, winners of the matchup earlier in the season, will not falter.  Their short, quick pace will neutralize the only Texan defensive threat: J.J. Watt.  The Kansas City Chiefs, riding an impressive 10-game winning streak in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, will wipe the floor with the Houston Texans.

Next: Chiefs are completely balanced

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders strong safety Taylor Mays (27) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs are completely balanced Christopher Stephano: Twitter

The Texans/Chiefs game should be a fierce defensive battle. The return of quarterback Brian Hoyer will help the Texans to keep the game close, but the Chiefs are too balanced on both sides of the ball to lose in the first round.

Chiefs win, 24-17

Next: Chiefs have too much momentum

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs have too much momentum Todd Gerstenhaber: Twitter

Houston, as the AFC South champion by default, must host a playoff game. Unfortunately for them they get to face a defense featuring Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Eric Berry, and one of the best rookies in the game in cornerback Marcus Peters.

Kansas City has had one of the best fall seasons a sports town can have, with their baseball team winning the World Series and their NFL team not losing a game since that happened. It’s safe to say there’s a lot of momentum with this team and they have a coach in Andy Reid who has been in this position before.

The Chiefs’ defense has been the main reason why they have gone on a ten-game winning streak, as their opponents have averaged just 13 points in their last 10 games. It keeps them in every game, and it will keep them alive another week, especially against an offense that has used four different quarterbacks.

Score: Chiefs 24, Texans 10

Next: Chiefs will pull away in victory

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs for yardage against the Oakland Raiders in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will pull away in victory Paul Esden Jr.: Twitter – Facebook

In this match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans, we have a team that is on a record breaking win streak, but at the same time isn’t considered one of the favorites in the playoff tournament and will be playing with a chip on their proverbial shoulders.

While on the other side of the field we have the Texans who are led by a disruptive defense and an offense that attempts to manage games. I think ultimately the Texans are a poor man’s Chiefs and the game should be close at first, but the Chiefs will pull away and move on to the next round.

Next: Chiefs will end playoff drought

Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will end playoff drought Ryan Patti: Twitter

This match-up is one of the more intriguing ones out of the four. The two teams met on opening day, however, neither had even come close to finding their mojo. Both teams have showed they can dominate in the trenches offensively as well as defensively, but this one will come down to quarterback play.

Since Alex Smith has the upper-hand when it comes to playoff experience, along with the fact that he’s more talented than Brian Hoyer, the advantage in this contest has to go to the Chiefs.

DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce will both make their impact, but Smith will move the chains a lot more often than Hoyer. Expect the Chiefs to end the drought and finally get that playoff win Kansas City has been waiting a long time for.

Prediction: Chiefs 26-17

Next: Defense wins championships

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) attempts the tackle during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Defense wins championships Matthew Ordazzo: Twitter

In my opinion, this match-up is a no-brainer, the Chiefs will walk away with a wild card victory and advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. The Chiefs are currently on a 10-game winning streak which will carry over into the playoffs.

The Chiefs are just about a well rounded defensive and offensive team. Even with key players such as Jamaal Charles sitting on the IR list, the team has come together and defied the odds. Rookie Marcus Peters leads the NFL in interceptions, Eric Berry is back to help lead that defensive unit at the safety position, Derrick Johnson and Justin Houston are just about the best at their positions.

The Chiefs’ defensive line creates sacks, forces turnovers and keeps opponents out of the end zone. Defenses win championships, and this Kansas City defense will be the reason why the team dethrones the AFC South division Houston Texans.

Next: Experience will save the day for Chiefs

Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end E.J. Bibbs (88) is unable to catch this pass while defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Experience will save the day for Chiefs Mike Nash: Twitter

I will take the Chiefs as the team is on a roll and would think the win streak continues yet again this week. Alex Smith has experience in the postseason and I think the Texans will be overwhelmed by the defense of the Chiefs.

Next: Chiefs will take care of business

Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (L) looks onto the field during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs will take care of business Paul Harris: Twitter

You have the sizzling Chiefs going up against J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins. I say those two guys because without them, the Texans might not have a win and unless Watt is going to play quarterback this weekend, I don’t see the Texans winning.

The Chiefs are too hot right now and I can’t imagine their historic streak ending because of Brian Hoyer. This game won’t be a blowout and Watt will certainly have his fingerprint all over the game but at the end of the day, it won’t be enough.

Chiefs 24, Texans 20.

Next: Chiefs win a very close game

Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) yells to his offense against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs win a very close game Jonathan Maldonado: Twitter

This one can go either way honestly, but I’m going to go with the win streak on this one. Houston is playing great defense on an incredible 7-2 stretch following a poor start to the season. Though in the end, Alex Smith and the Chiefs’ offense will prove just a hair better and pull this one out.

Next: Chiefs win thanks to consistency

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) spikes the football after scoring during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs win thanks to consistency Shane Marshall: Twitter

The Chiefs are the hottest team in the NFL having won 10 in-a-row since starting 1-5. Houston has used a plethora of quarterbacks this season. Consistency is huge entering the playoffs, and Kansas has been consistent.

Chiefs win, 20-14.

Next: Chiefs continue their winning streak

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Demetrius Harris (84) catches a touchdown pass against Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs continue their winning streak Genna Preston: Twitter – Facebook

The Kansas City Chiefs ended the season with 10 straight wins and plan on continuing that this weekend against the Houston Texans. However, their previous playoff history suggests otherwise.

The Chiefs haven’t won a postseason game since 1994 when they beat the Houston Oilers. They went 0-8 in their last postseason games.

More jets: Analyzing quarterback situation of the Jets heading into 2016

Alex Smith has completed over 60% of his passes this season and I don’t think the Texans’ defense that ranks 4^th against quarterbacks will offer him a challenge. If the Chiefs can contain DeAndre Hopkins, there should be no reason they can’t end their postseason losing streak. I’m taking a risk and I’m going with the Chiefs in a 24-21 victory.