Chiefs schemes: Mahomes, Watson have gotten to the point (or 30) against each other
The average score in the last three games between the Chiefs and Texans is 39-32, with Kansas City taking two of three since 2017, including last season’s playoff victory.
This game will reveal how having no preseason games and a different type of training camp this year has affected the teams.
Also, the NFL’s season-kickoff game has been played on a Thursday night since 2002, and 15 of the 18 previous games have involved the reigning Super Bowl champions.
That team is 12-3 straight-up in those games.
When the Chiefs pass
Tyreek Hill is going to get his. So will Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman and now rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Mahomes had five touchdown passes against the Texans in the Chiefs’ January playoff victory and eight total in two games against Houston last season.
Edge: Chiefs
When Chiefs run
The Clyde Edwards-Helaire era begins. The Chiefs’ first-round draft choice who earned praise in training camp gets the call. Will the first snap go to him? Also important to the running game are two new guards: Andrew Wylie and Kelichi Osemele. Wylie has started 21 games for the Chiefs in two years but none in the playoffs last season. The Texans surrendered 121 rushing yards per game last season.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Texans pass
In his first game against the Chiefs, in 2017, Watson threw five touchdown passes. And he beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in the 2019 regular season. At cornerback, expect the Chiefs to play a second-year pro making his first start in Rashad Fenton, a newcomer who has started two NFL games in Antonio Hamilton, and rookie L’Jarius Sneed. They will miss the suspended Bashaud Breeland, who’s out for four games for violating the league’s conduct policy.
Edge: Texans
When the Texans run
Houston will look to control the clock, but the Texans’ run-blocking grade was among the worst in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus. They’ve upgraded at running back this season with David Johnson. Improving against the run is where the Chiefs can take a step forward on defense.
Edge: Texans