Travis Kelce shines as Chiefs secure playoff win over Texans

Kansas City Chiefs beat Houston Texans 23-14 to advance to the AFC Championship, with Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes leading the charge.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

By Eva Krafczyk and Randy Ahmad

Travis Kelce delivered a standout performance as the Kansas City Chiefs edged closer to another Super Bowl appearance with a 23-14 victory over the Houston Texans in Saturday's playoff showdown. Playing in front of a packed Arrowhead Stadium, with pop superstar Taylor Swift cheering from the VIP section, Kelce showcased his brilliance alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The veteran tight end, 35, recorded 117 receiving yards on seven receptions, while Mahomes threw for 177 yards and one touchdown. The dynamic duo led the Chiefs past a resilient Texans side, securing a spot in the AFC Championship for a record seventh consecutive season.

"You know 87's gonna show up whenever there's a big-time moment, and he did that," Mahomes said of Kelce after the game. "Everybody's been asking, 'Where's Travis Kelce at?' Well, I think he showed the world where he's at tonight."

Kansas City set the tone early, with Nikko Remigio’s 63-yard kickoff return placing the Chiefs in scoring range. Although they couldn’t convert the opportunity into a touchdown, Harrison Butker’s 32-yard field goal gave them a 3-0 lead.

Houston responded with a field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn to level the score, but Butker added another field goal to end the first quarter with a 6-3 lead for the Chiefs.

In the second quarter, the Mahomes-Kelce connection came alive. A short pass from Mahomes to Kelce resulted in a dazzling 49-yard gain, positioning the Chiefs on the Texans’ six-yard line. From there, Kareem Hunt powered through for a rushing touchdown, extending Kansas City’s lead to 13-3.

Houston cut the deficit before halftime with another field goal from Fairbairn, making it 13-6 heading into the break.

The Texans came out strong in the third quarter. Quarterback C.J. Stroud led an impressive 15-play, 82-yard drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown run by Joe Mixon. However, Fairbairn’s missed extra point kept Kansas City narrowly ahead at 13-12.

Mahomes capitalized on the momentum shift, showcasing his trademark improvisation. While off balance, he found Kelce in the end zone for a crucial touchdown, extending the Chiefs’ lead to 20-12.

The Chiefs defense played a pivotal role in the victory, relentlessly pressuring Stroud throughout the game. Stroud was sacked eight times, struggling to find rhythm against Kansas City’s ferocious defensive front.

Houston failed to score on their final two possessions, allowing the Chiefs to pull further ahead. Butker’s third field goal of the night sealed the game late in the fourth quarter, making it 23-12. The Chiefs intentionally conceded a safety with 11 seconds remaining to ice the game, ending the Texans’ hopes of a comeback.

The victory marked head coach Andy Reid’s 300th career win, making him only the fourth coach in NFL history to achieve the milestone. The Chiefs are now eyeing history as they aim to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

Despite not firing on all cylinders, the Chiefs once again proved their ability to find ways to win under pressure. Their performance showcased their depth, resilience, and championship pedigree.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift celebrates as Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images

The Chiefs will host either the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship, with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line. Kansas City fans will be hoping for more magic from Kelce, Mahomes, and the team as they aim for a third straight NFL title.

Elsewhere in Saturday’s playoff games, the Detroit Lions hosted the Washington Commanders, vying for a place in the NFC Championship. The NFL playoffs continue to deliver high-stakes drama, with teams battling for a coveted Super Bowl appearance in New Orleans next month.

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