NFL roundup: Chiefs see off Texans, Ravens clinch playoff berth
Patrick Mahomes (29) accounted for one touchdown pass and another rushing touchdown as the Kansas City Chiefs enhanced their record to an NFL-leading 14-1 by overcoming Houston 27-19 on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens triumphed over Pittsburgh, securing a playoff spot.
The two-time Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs, require just one more victory or a loss from the Buffalo Bills (11-3) to secure the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Mahomes completed 28 of 41 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown, in addition to rushing five times for 33 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his recovery from a high left ankle sprain sustained during last week's win against Cleveland.
"Finding a way to win with everyone contributing was a significant moment for us," Mahomes remarked. "Our offensive line rose to the occasion and performed admirably."
In Baltimore, Lamar Jackson threw for 207 yards and three touchdowns, while Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards, leading the Ravens to a decisive 34-17 victory over the Steelers, thereby clinching an NFL playoff berth.
"We anticipated the nature of this game," Jackson stated. "I believe we executed better against them, and we achieved our goal. It feels rewarding."
After experiencing four losses in his previous five encounters with Pittsburgh, Jackson expressed relief at having "removed the little monkey off my back for now."
Both the Steelers and Ravens, currently at 10-5 and tied for the AFC North division lead, join the Chiefs, Bills, and Texans in securing playoff berths in the AFC. Additionally, Detroit, Minnesota, and Philadelphia have also locked in their spots in the NFC playoffs.
"We must continue to push forward," Jackson emphasized. "Staying focused is essential."
All four teams that played on Saturday will return to action on Christmas, with Baltimore facing Houston and the Chiefs taking on Pittsburgh next Wednesday, marking their third game in 11 days.
"I will take some time to rest and review film," Mahomes noted. "We are up against a formidable defense, which will present a significant challenge, so we will be prepared."
Singer Taylor Swift, who is in a relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, was present to witness the team achieve an undefeated 8-0 home season for the first time since 2003.
The Chiefs secured their 11th victory of the season by a margin of eight points or fewer, demonstrating an impressive success rate in closely contested matches.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes participated in all practice sessions throughout the week, and his physical condition was evident from the outset.
Kansas City safety Jaden Hicks intercepted a pass from C.J. Stroud, which led to an 11-play, 66-yard touchdown drive for the Chiefs, culminating in a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Mahomes, who displayed no signs of injury.
The Texans answered with a 33-yard field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn, followed by a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Dalton Stroud, concluding an 82-yard drive that allowed Houston to take a 10-7 lead.
Mahomes then orchestrated an 82-yard drive for the Chiefs, with Kareem Hunt scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run to regain the lead for Kansas City.
In the closing moments of the second quarter, Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie intercepted another pass from Stroud, setting up a 44-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, which gave Kansas City a 17-10 advantage at halftime.
Injury to Dell
Just 3:20 into the second half, Stroud threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell, who unfortunately sustained a serious left leg injury after colliding with teammate Jared Wayne in the back of the end zone as he fell to the ground.
The game was paused for several minutes as Texans players were visibly upset while Dell, with his leg in an air cast, was placed on a stretcher and transported off the field in a cart to a nearby hospital.
Following this emotional interruption, Fairbairn missed the extra point attempt on Dell's touchdown, leaving the Chiefs with a narrow lead of 17-16.
Mahomes linked up with Xavier Worthy for an 8-yard touchdown pass, extending the Chiefs' advantage. However, Fairbairn responded with a field goal, narrowing the Texans' deficit to 24-19 with 11:41 left in the game.
In Baltimore, Jackson's 9-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely gave the Ravens the lead, but MyCole Pruitt caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson, leveling the score at 7-7 for Pittsburgh.
Jackson then delivered a 14-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, while Justin Tucker of Baltimore and Chris Boswell of Pittsburgh exchanged 51-yard field goals, resulting in a 17-10 lead for the Ravens at halftime.
In the third quarter, both teams continued to score, with Wilson connecting on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cordarrelle Patterson, followed by Jackson's 7-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews.
Marlon Humphrey of Baltimore returned an interception for a 37-yard touchdown, and Tucker capped off the game with a late 23-yard field goal, securing the victory.
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