Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs: preview, free NFL picks & predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the 2020 NFL playoffs.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 8.05pm Sunday

Best bet

Houston Texans +10
1pt 5-6 RedZone

Match preview

Kansas City are strong favourites to beat Houston and claim a place in next week's AFC Championship game, but things could be closer than bookmakers expect in Missouri.

The Texans fought back to secure a thrilling overtime victory over Buffalo last week, having trailed 16-0 at one point, thanks to some incredible evasion and passing from quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson had only five incompletions in that game and was able to rush for 55 yards and a touchdown, and his performance could prove to be pivotal again.

Houston secured a surprise 31-24 win when the sides met at Arrowhead Stadium earlier in the season, and Watson was able to find the end zone twice himself as well as throwing for 280 yards.

The Chiefs won their final six matches of the season, and while they have been renowned for their offensive talents, notably QB Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, their defensive players have also stepped up markedly in recent weeks.

Even so, the visitors have been able to navigate past tough defences throughout the season, with the Buffalo game a prime example, and given how close the playoffs have been, bookmakers may be underestimating Houston, who could keep pace with Kansas City.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Surface Grass
Weather Mostly cloudy, 2C
Vegas handicap Houston +9.5
Vegas points line 51

Injury report

Houston
Safety Jahleel Addae (knee), tight end Jordan Akins (hamstring), cornerback Keion Crossen (hamstring), wide receivers Will Fuller (groin) and Kenny Stills (knee), tight end Darren Fells (hip) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) are all rated questionable.

Kansas City
Cornerback Morris Claiborne (shoulder) has been ruled out. Tight end Travis Kelce (knee) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf) are questionable. Guard Andrew Wylie (ankle) is set to play.

Key stat

Houston scored 23 points or more in seven road games this season.

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