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KC Chiefs VS Houston Texans: Rating the Match-Ups

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) battles Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) - Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) battles Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) - Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) reacts with defensive end J.J. Watt (99) - Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59)  – Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

This week will be the first week that I delve into the actual areas on defense and not just rate the defense all together.

It turns out that Houston has one of the best defenses in all of football this season. It’s something they’ve been known for, but looking at their depth chart, holy hell this defense is scary.

Even with Cushing out, these Texans linebackers are no joke.

It starts with their linebacker unit, which has names like Whitney Mercilus, Brian Cushing, and former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. I don’t like to cheer for injuries, but the Chiefs should be fortunate that Cushing will not play in this game because the guy is a monster when he plays.

As for Kansas City, Justin Houston is still out until further notice, so that gives Dee Ford his second start this season. Ford had a sack last week against the Chargers, but can he replicate that again in week two?

The Chiefs also have Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali, neither of whom made huge impacts when it came to tackling or pressuring the quarterback. Let’s hope both can step it up this week.

Even with Cushing out, these Texans linebackers are no joke. If Justin Houston were playing in this game, I’d probably lean towards Kansas City because he’s THAT good when healthy, but he’s not, so the Texans get my vote.

Advantage: Houston