Houston Texans vs. Chiefs Week 14: Live Updates, Score & Playoff Stakes on Sunday Night Football

The Houston Texans roll into Week 14 riding a four-game winning streak that has vaulted DeMeco Ryans’ young roster from early-season afterthought to serious AFC playoff contender. At 7-5, Houston now controls its own destiny atop the South, and Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium offers a national showcase against the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) as well as a litmus test for postseason readiness. Rookie sensation C.J. Stroud continues to make an Offensive Rookie of the Year case, ranking top-five league-wide in passing yards per attempt and passer rating. His quick trigger and chemistry with Nico Collins and Tank Dell have powered an attack averaging 27.1 points during the streak. Kansas City’s defense, however, ranks top-three in sacks and pressures, meaning left tackle Laremy Tunsil and a reshuffled offensive line must win upfront to keep the air raid humming. Houston fortified its roster ahead of the stretch run, signing edge rusher Solomon Byrd and defensive back Ameer Speed while elevating versatile linebacker Xavier Thomas from the practice squad. The moves aim to bolster a defense already led by breakout rookie Will Anderson Jr., whose 10.5 sacks rank second among first-year players. Anderson and veteran Jonathan Greenard will be tasked with containing Patrick Mahomes, who enters the primetime clash having thrown five interceptions over his last three outings. Beyond the marquee quarterback duel, keep an eye on the injury report: standout safety Jalen Pitre (shoulder) is questionable, while Kamari Lassiter (ankle) is expected to return at corner, giving coordinator Matt Burke added flexibility against Kansas City’s speedy receiving corps. A road win would not only push Houston to 8-5 but also grant a vital conference tiebreaker. With division showdowns against the Jaguars and Titans looming, every victory tightens the vise on AFC rivals scrambling for wild-card berths. Conversely, a loss could compress a packed South race, especially if Jacksonville holds serve earlier Sunday. Search interest in “Texans” has spiked this week as fans seek real-time updates, playoff scenarios and injury news. Expect traffic to soar again in the hours surrounding kickoff and into Monday morning, particularly if Stroud outduels Mahomes on the national stage. For a franchise that opened the season 0-3, the buzz in H-Town feels like more than a trend—it feels like the foundation of a new era.