As the NFL season progresses into conference title weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, and Philadelphia Eagles remain in the hunt.
Prior to the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game against the Bills, the league announced fines and penalties for illegal plays during the Divisional Round. In the Chiefs’ matchup with the Houston Texans, Texans players Will Anderson and Henry To’oTo’o were each penalized. Anderson was flagged for roughing the passer on Patrick Mahomes, while To’oTo’o received a penalty for unnecessary roughness for making contact with Mahomes. However, after reviewing the plays, the NFL decided not to impose fines on either Anderson or To’oTo’o.
NFL analyst Tom Pelissero clarified that the league’s decision not to fine Anderson and To’oTo’o “isn’t an acknowledgment of a referee mistake,” but rather that neither play was considered fine-worthy.
The Chiefs went on to defeat the Texans 23-14, securing their spot in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills.
- Now, the Chiefs are preparing for their showdown with the Bills on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. According to ESPN BET, Kansas City enters the game as a 2.5-point favorite. The Chiefs are aiming to make history by becoming the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls, having won the last two championships.
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C.J. Stroud has had a rollercoaster rookie season with the Houston Texans, showing flashes of brilliance while also facing significant challenges. Emotionally, he’s been deeply affected by situations like Tank Dell’s season-ending injury, which Stroud described as feeling like losing a family member. His bond with Dell seemed strong, and the injury hit him hard.
Stroud’s struggles with the offensive line have also been a consistent issue. He’s openly expressed discomfort and lack of trust in the protection, which has led to difficulties in maintaining his composure and accuracy. These struggles have manifested in both overthrows and misplacing balls, including a key missed opportunity with Nico Collins against Denver.
Another major issue has been the pressure he’s faced—he’s been pressured on nearly 39% of his dropbacks, one of the highest rates in the league, which has led to him being sacked 52 times, the second most in the NFL. These breakdowns in protection have hindered his development but also highlighted his resilience.
Despite these challenges, Stroud’s rookie season has been historic for the Texans. He set franchise records for passing yards (4,108), touchdowns (23), completions (319), and attempts (499). If Stroud can continue to improve his accuracy and adapt to the pressure, he has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Texans moving forward.
