Chiefs vs. Texans Rapid Reaction: The 'Arrowhead Invitational' is Back On

After Nikko Remigio took the opening kick back 63 yards to set the Kansas City Chiefs up in Houston Texans' territory, it looked like the two-time defending Super Bowl champions were well on their way to a dominant result.

The Chiefs went three-and-out to start with a Harrison Butker field goal. While moments grew tense, especially in the third quarter when the Texans scored a potential game-tying TD, Kansas City took advantage of a missed extra point to ensure they never relinquished the lead.

Ultimately, this followed a familiar script. Things were close until the Chiefs needed to seal it. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt, and Chris Jones came through in the biggest moments, handing the Chiefs their seventh straight AFC Championship appearance.

There's a lot to discuss, but let's hit the major points.

The 2018 Chiefs Had a Field Day

Mahomes, Hunt, Kelce, Jones, and Harrison Butker turned back the clock in an electric performance.

Mahomes made one of the most spectacular plays of his career in throwing a diving TD to Kelce on a late third down, Hunt made up for lost time with eight carries for 44 yards and a score, Jones threw in four tackles and a massive sack, then Butker was a perfect 5/5 from field goals and extra points.

Considering the way this group laid the foundation for this dynasty, it was fitting to see them all come together for a great simultaneous performance from the guys who have been here for every championship.

As a cherry on top, Andy Reid joined coaching immortality with his 300th career victory. Not bad.

Playoff Travis Kelce is So Back

No one should've been surprised, but Kelce was dominant as anticipated. He handily led the Chiefs in receiving, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a TD. When Mahomes needed to find someone for the most important passing plays of the contest, he nearly always looked Kelce's way.

When Kansas City needed a spark, #87 was there to provide it. He's one of the most decorated playoff performers in any sport, and this Divisional Round win was just the beginning of what should continue to be a tour de force.

Kelce now has 14 consecutive playoff games with at least 70 receiving yards, far and away the longest active streak in the NFL. Antonio Brown, who hasn't played since 2021, is in second place with seven.

If the Chiefs are pulling this three-peat off, Kelce will remain the focal point of the offense.

Kansas City's Defense is Immediately Championship-Caliber Again

It's hard to overstate how impressive this defense was. Thanks to stellar performances by nearly everyone, Steve Spagnuolo's unit appears to be at the same level as last year's group that helped lead to a championship.

George Karlaftis had three sacks, Charles Omenihu and Jones had one, then even Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Tershawn Wharton, and Chamarri Conner chipped in.

Houston's defensive line isn't great by any means, though this was the exact kind of effort that suggests Kansas City should be favored to win the Super Bowl. Despite not forcing a fumble or causing an interception, this was as good of a defensive performance as you can get in the playoffs.

The 'Arrowhead Invitational' is Back

After a one-year break when the Baltimore Ravens hosted the AFC title game, it's back in Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes has made it to the final four in every single year he's started, one of the more remarkable feats of his tenure.

The Chiefs will host the winner of the Buffalo Bills and Ravens contest on Sunday, setting the stage for another chapter in an illustrious book of decorated playoff matchups.

This is the golden era of Chiefs football. Savor it, Kansas City. You'll never see something like this again.

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