AFC Game Of The Week
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Texans: So many people are still shaking and probably scratching their heads at them. I would be to especially after all that transpired with them this off-season. Why in your right mind would you trade away the guy who’s been your best offensive player? Yes, the Houston Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for an often injured David Johnson. What I am going to say here may be odd, but let me explain something. If I were the Texans front office, I would’ve traded away J.J. Watt. Over the years, he hasn’t been the same because of the injuries. This makes more sense to me than to deal a guy who’s been nothing but productive and is in his prime. To replace Hopkins, the Texans acquired Brandin Cooks from the Los Angeles Rams. Tonight, the Texans will begin their season where it ended eight months ago.
Chiefs: Last year was magical for them. The quarterback entered the year with many people still not sold. What more did you want? The kid threw 50 touchdown passes in his first season as a starter. I really think Patrick Mahomes made those critics a believer with his season in 2019. The first two years have been good to number 15. An MVP in 2018 followed by a Super Bowl title along with a Super Bowl MVP. Andy Reid finally won that ring he coveted for years. What we saw from the New England Patriots with how they were dominant in the AFC is exactly what I think we’ll see from these Kansas City Chiefs for the next few years. Especially if they keep their group of core players intact (Mahomes, Hill, Kelce & Hardman). The title defense begins tonight with the Houston Texans in town for week one!
Texans X-Factor: Randall Cobb– He was signed to be that veteran presence for the offense. I like him because he knows his role within the system. In Green Bay, he was Mr. Versatility. Last season with Dallas, he was Dak Prescott’s third down target. I could see him being the same option for Deshaun this year in Houston. He’s the receiver that goes over the middle when you need that catch to move the chains.
Chiefs X-Factor: Tanoh Kpassagnon– This guy really came on strongly when the Chiefs started hitting their stride defensively. When I watch him, I see an explosive guy with a quick first step to get to the passer who doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants. Tanoh is a solid pass rusher and a consistent run stopper. He’ll lead the charge when it comes to containing Deshaun tonight.
Final Thoughts: They played a wild game in January during the playoffs. Houston jumped out to a 24 point lead and lost it. Kansas City never looked back. All these months later, this is the opening game of the new NFL season. I think we have a nice quarterback rivalry here in the making. I’m anxious to see this Chiefs defense. Are they able to pick up where they left off a year ago? I’m doing everything to contain Watson. Flush him to his left. As for Mahomes, the Texans must force him to beat you from the pocket. Don’t allow him to buy time (which is easier said than done).
Prediction: Chiefs 41 Texans 24
