As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a showdown against the Houston Texans, it’s clear that one player will be the centerpiece of the game plan—Patrick Mahomes. After a short week of preparation, the offense will need to rely on Mahomes’ magic to lead them to victory, with some help from key players who will return to action. The game plan is simple but demanding, and success hinges on how well they manage their stars and exploit the weaknesses in the Texans’ defense.

Magic Mahomes: Protect and Execute

The first point of emphasis for the Chiefs is to keep Mahomes healthy and allow him to do what he does best. He’s known for playing through injuries, and this week should be no different. There were no injury designations for Mahomes on the final injury report, meaning he’s expected to play without limitations. However, the key to his performance will be in how well he is protected. Offensive line play will be crucial, but Mahomes himself has to take responsibility for getting the ball out quickly to avoid unnecessary hits.

Mahomes’ ability to protect himself through quick releases is paramount. This season, he’s been more aggressive pushing the ball downfield even when options are not open, often forcing plays to make defenses respect his arm. However, with the injury lingering, Mahomes may need to rely on quick passes and controlled execution rather than the scramble plays we’re used to seeing. That said, Mahomes’ ability to scramble and make plays with his legs will also be key, especially considering the Texans’ defense allows the fifth-most yards per scramble in the NFL. Look for Mahomes to take advantage of broken plays if the pass rush fails to maintain discipline.

Hollywood Brown’s Return: A Boost to the Offense

The return of Hollywood Brown gives the Chiefs an added weapon. While he’s not yet in peak physical shape, his speed is a game-changer. His ability to stretch the field will help open up opportunities for other players, especially if Xavier Worthy continues to play well as a deep threat. The Chiefs need Brown to be effective even in a limited capacity, as his presence will force the defense to respect the deep ball, creating more room for Mahomes to operate underneath.

Brown’s return will also allow for adjustments in the offense. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s role has diminished, and while Justin Watson has filled in as a deep threat, his limited route tree has made him easier to defend. With Brown, the Chiefs now have a true deep threat who can stretch the field and keep safeties honest. The offense should use this to its advantage, mixing in quick passes, running backs out of the backfield, and occasional deep shots to disrupt the defense’s coverage schemes.

Running the Ball: A Balanced Attack

While Mahomes will be the focal point of the offense, the Chiefs cannot ignore the run game. The Texans’ defensive front is vulnerable, particularly at the guard positions, where they have given up significant sacks this season. With Joe Tuni and Trey Smith leading the charge, the Chiefs should look to run at the Texans’ weaknesses, particularly targeting the edges and using toss plays to stretch the defense. This will not only create balance but also slow down the Texans’ aggressive pass rushers like Will Anderson Jr. and Denil Hunter, who can wreak havoc on an unbalanced offense.

The run game will also provide the opportunity for play-action passes, which can freeze the linebackers and safeties, allowing Mahomes to find open receivers downfield. Whether it’s a quick handoff or a jet sweep, the Chiefs need to mix up their play-calling and keep the Texans guessing. By committing to the run game, they can set up the pass more effectively, making it harder for the defense to focus solely on the passing attack.

Defensive Pressure: Attack the Texans’ Makeshift O-Line

On the defensive side, the Chiefs have a significant advantage over the Texans’ offensive line. Houston has struggled with its guards all season, allowing pressure from both the interior and the edges. With Chris Jones and Charles Omenihu wreaking havoc in the middle, the Chiefs have the opportunity to exploit this weakness. By moving Jones and Omenihu around and creating mismatches, the Chiefs can collapse the pocket and disrupt rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s rhythm.

Stroud has shown promise this season, but when pressured, he’s prone to making mistakes. The Chiefs need to force him off his spot and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. By sending five defenders, the Chiefs can eliminate double-teams and create opportunities for their pass rushers to get one-on-one matchups. The goal is to force Stroud into making rushed decisions, especially with his primary weapon, Nico Collins, being tightly covered.

Containing the Run and Pass: A Balanced Defensive Approach

While the Texans are likely to try and establish the run with Joe Mixon, the Chiefs’ defense must remain aggressive and sound in their run fits. The Texans’ offensive line has been prone to allowing penetration, and the Chiefs have been excellent at attacking the line of scrimmage. The Chiefs must be careful not to get lulled into a false sense of security with the run game, as the Texans will look to use it to set up play-action and take shots downfield.

With the addition of new defensive backs like Joshua Williams and the continued development of players like Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs are well-equipped to handle the Texans’ aerial attack. The key will be keeping track of Tank Dell, who, while not as explosive this season, can still make plays if given time to get downfield. The Chiefs’ secondary must maintain tight coverage and not allow Stroud to get comfortable in the pocket.

Conclusion: A Game of Execution and Protection

The game plan against the Texans is clear: protect Mahomes, use the return of Hollywood Brown to stretch the defense, run the ball effectively, and exploit the Texans’ makeshift offensive line with pressure. Defensively, the Chiefs must continue their aggressive approach, attacking the interior of the line and forcing Stroud into mistakes. While the short week may present challenges, the Chiefs’ talent and depth should allow them to execute their plan effectively and come out with a win. However, they’ll need to stay sharp on both sides of the ball, as the Texans have enough playmakers to make things interesting if given the opportunity.

As the Chiefs look ahead to a pivotal game, they must take care of business now—protecting their stars and executing the game plan to perfection. With Mahomes leading the way and key players returning, the Chiefs have the potential to dominate this matchup, but it will require focus, discipline, and smart playcalling throughout the game.