Chiefs’ playoff hopes dwindle as Patrick Mahomes throws three interceptions in loss to Texans

The "FOX NFL Kickoff" crew was joined by Jameis Winston to discuss which team will win the AFC South, why the Kansas City Chiefs are still dangerous and more.

In an era when explosive offense is key to success, "Sunday Night Football" was a defensive masterclass by both the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs.

However, the Texans, the number one defense in the league, showcased why they’re top of the heap this season in a 20-10 victory on the road.

This game had massive playoff implications for both teams, as the Texans are now 8-5 after winning their fifth straight game, while the Chiefs fall below .500 at 6-7 with only four games remaining on the schedule.

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C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans looks to pass the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 7, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Kansas City – winners of three straight AFC championships – now sits 10th in the conference and faces just a 16% chance of reaching the postseason. 

It didn’t matter how hostile the environment was, or the fact that the Chiefs were treating this game like it was the playoffs. Houston’s defense delivered as it has week after week, and it started immediately in this one.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense ran only 14 total plays on their first three drives, all of which ended with punts. Then, Mahomes threw an interception on a pass intended for Juju Smith-Schuster, as Jalen Pitre jumped the route, deflected the pass and managed to find it in the air to secure the ball to his chest as he hit the ground.

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Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud