Houston turned the tables in the final quarter, ending Kansas City’s control of the game and claiming a 20-10 victory. The Chiefs had dominated the third quarter, but the momentum shifted in the opening seconds of the fourth.
On the very first play of the final period, Patrick Mahomes threw an interception, setting the tone for what would become a difficult finish for Kansas City. After forcing another punt, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made a bold decision to keep his offence on the field for a long fourth-and-1 from their own 31-yard line.
“Trying to stay aggressive with it,” Reid said after the game. “I take full responsibility. You’re playing a good football team, and you have to make plays when you get the chance. We just came up a little short.”
Mahomes attempted a short pass to Rashee Rice, but Houston cornerback Derek Stingley broke up the throw. The Texans capitalised on the turnover, scoring a go-ahead touchdown that sealed the game.
Mahomes defended the play, noting the Texans’ top-ranked defence had anticipated the route. “I was a little late, and the guy made a great play,” he said. “We just have to execute better in big moments, and that’s something we haven’t done consistently this year.”
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud made several critical plays under pressure, including escaping a sack by Chris Jones on third-and-3 to connect with rookie Jayden Higgins for a key 8-yard gain. Shortly after, third-string running back Dare Ogunbowale punched in a 5-yard touchdown to give Houston a 17-10 lead with under seven minutes remaining.
Kansas City had another chance later, facing fourth-and-4 from their own 41-yard line. Rice appeared open but dropped a pass across the middle, leaving the Chiefs unable to respond.
“Coach Reid believes in us, and I believe in our offence,” Mahomes said. “We’ve executed similar plays all season. Today, Houston made the plays when it mattered.”
Mahomes finished with a career-low 42.4 completion percentage, going 14 of 33 for 160 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions. The loss drops Kansas City to 6-7, while Houston improves to 8-5.
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