The Kansas City Chiefs have long been most people’s favourites to win Super Bowl LIX and everything appears to be falling nicely into place for them as they get ready to make their debut in the 2025 NFL playoffs in the divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday (January 18).

By virtue of their 15-2 regular season record, Andy Reid’s team cruised to the AFC West title, which they had wrapped up with games to spare. It also ensured they would clinch the conference’s No. 1 seed, giving them a bye past the wild card round.

Jones and Pacheco among Chiefs stars closing on full fitness

Not only have the Chiefs had an extra week to recover from bumps and bruises than the Texans, who defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in the first stage of the playoffs, but Kansas City will also be boosted by the returns to fitness of several players, most notably defensive tackle Chris Jones and running back Isiah Pacheco.

Jones, Pacheco, safety Chamarri Conner, cornerback Jaylen Watson and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor were all full participants in practice on Tuesday, as Reid had indicated they would be.

After sustaining a calf injury in the Week 16 victory over the Texans, Jones should be available to make his return to action against the same opponents at Arrowhead Stadium.

Pacheco, meanwhile, suffered a rib injury in the Week 17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, which forced him to miss the loss to the Denver Broncos, in which all key players were rested.

Their returns to fitness could prove crucial as the Chiefs bid to make history with an unprecedented NFL three-peat. Conner (shoulder injury) and Taylor (broken ankle) also closing on their comebacks will strengthen the secondary, so there is good news all round for Reid.

Will Patrick Mahomes be fit to play for the Chiefs against the Texans?

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is another name listed on the injury report after some recent trouble with his ankle, which started in the Week 15 game against the Cleveland Browns. However, he played the following two weeks and was also a full participant in Tuesday’s practice, which means he is expected to be good to go against the Texans.

Texans vs Chiefs: date, time, how to watch

The divisional round game between the Texans and the Chiefs will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday January 18, with kickoff at 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT.

Fans in the United States can watch the game on ABC and ESPN, or follow a live stream on fuboTV, which offers new users a free trial.