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As we enter the final weeks of the NFL season, it’s becoming do-or-die for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, Kansas City sits at 6-6 and two games outside of the AFC playoff picture.
The Chiefs have already (almost) surrendered the AFC West to the Denver Broncos, ending a nine-year reign where the division title stayed in Kansas City. Though, not many expected the Chiefs to be outside of the playoff picture fully this late in the season; Kansas City has made the NFL postseason every season since 2014.
STREAM: Watch Chiefs vs. Texans live with Fubo (free trial for new users)
If the Chiefs want to salvage their playoff aspirations, it starts on “Sunday Night Football” against the surging Houston Texans. Houston — who sits at eighth in the AFC with a 7-5 record — has rattled off four straight wins, the last two being marquee ones; it first suffocated Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, followed up by defeating the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts on the road.
For star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Texans defense presents one of his toughest challenges. Houston leads the NFL with the No. 1 scoring defense (allowing 16.5 points per game) while also leading league in yards allowed per game. Quarterbacks the defense have given struggles to include Allen, Daniel Jones, and Trevor Lawrence
With C.J. Stroud back and healthy, the rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional Round — which the Chiefs won 23-14 — has plenty of playoff implications on the line for two teams looking to get in. Can Mahomes, Andy Reid, Travis Kelce and co. pull off some late season magic?
Follow along for updates.
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Texans vs. Chiefs results, highlights from Week 14 ‘Sunday Night Football’
9:11 p.m.: Stroud and Collins made a huge connection in the first, and now they no in the second.
Stroud rolls out to the right and hits Collins — who came back downfield — and Collins has space, running for 52 yards down to the red zone.
UNREAL throw from CJ Stroud to Nico Collins!
HOUvsKC on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/fEbvMRj5K9
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2025
Collins has two receptions for 99 yards tonight.
9:08 p.m.: On 3rd & 8, Stroud tries finding Collins. Though it comes up incomplete, there’s a controversial defensive holding on Kansas City.
The Texans move the chains.
End of the first quarter: Texans 3, Chiefs 0
9:01 p.m.: The Chiefs are across midfield after a Kareem Hunt run.
But, the next play, Mahomes gets sacked for the second time tonight, going down for nine yards. The Chiefs faced a 3rd & 17, and Rice gets a few yards but not close to the sticks.
Kansas City punts for the third straight time to open the game.
Texans 3, Chiefs 0
8:53 p.m. FIELD GOAL: After a sequence where replay assist incorrectly ruled a play a first down, Houston faced a 4th & 1, but an offsides penalty made it 4th & 6.
Kaimi Fairbarn comes on to hit a field goal, and Houston is the first team on the board.
8:43 p.m.: Nico Collins has the first huge play of the game. Stroud hits him, and he takes it all the way to the Kansas City 21 for 46 yards.
STROUD DEEP TO NICO COLLINS.
HOUvsKC on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/StG8Uag5Vw
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2025
Stroud under threw it a little, but Collins comes back and gets it. Houston is near the red zone.
8:39 p.m.: Facing a 3rd & 4, Mahomes gets rushed by the Houston pass rush and they get to him. It’s a 10-yard loss, and for the third straight drive to open the game, we have a punt.
8:38 p.m.: Kansas City has a first down on the first play, with Xavier Worthy taking a catch 10 yards.
The next play, Mahomes gets his other star receiver, Rashee Rice.
8:34 p.m.: On 3rd & 8, Stroud tries finding Collins but it comes up incomplete.
Tommy Townsend, the former Chief, comes on to punt for Houston. Mahomes and co. will start at the 25.
8:29 p.m.: Houston has the first first down of the night, with the rookie back Woody Marks taking it up the middle for two yards.
8:27 p.m.: Kansas City goes three-and-out on the first drive. Mahomes had a receiver, though it was dropped.
After the punt, C.J. Stroud and Houston will start at the 14.
8:25 p.m.: The Chiefs are down three offensive line starters, and might have lost a fourth on the first play.
Wayna Morris goes down and can’t put any weight on his leg.
8:22 p.m.: We have kicked off at Arrowhead Stadium.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense has the ball first.
8:12 p.m.: Kickoff is moments away. The Chiefs are going for their sixth straight win at home, while the Texans are trying to win their fifth straight game.
Something has to give.
8:00 p.m.: Nico Collins is having a stellar season so far, hauling in 57 receptions for 795 yards and four touchdowns.
1️⃣2️⃣ is feeling it 🤘 pic.twitter.com/ccBKbf7FoQ
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 8, 2025
He looks to add onto that tally tonight.
7:48 p.m.: The Chiefs enter this game as a must-win, with teams in front of them in the AFC wild card race continuing to win.
Get loud, Chiefs Kingdom‼️ pic.twitter.com/JpSndcTaHS
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 8, 2025
Kansas City has lost three out of four heading into tonight.
7:32 p.m.: Nothing screams primetime like Arrowhead Stadium for a big AFC clash.
Golden hour looks good on us 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/ho9unzgsDp
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 8, 2025
This is the second Sunday night game this season at Arrowhead.
7:12 p.m.: Kansas City has also listed its inactives.
Our inactives for tonight’s SNF matchup against the Texans ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/UXVdz2LR77
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
The most notable for Houston is tackle Jawaan Taylor, who is dealing with a triceps and knee injury.
7:02 p.m.: “Sunday Night Football” is approaching, with the Texans looking to get their fifth straight win.
Ready to SWARM. pic.twitter.com/dXuYXir3vm
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 8, 2025
6:50 p.m.: Houston has posted its inactives for tonight’s contest.
Our inactives for #HOUvsKC ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/RlMR9CHEfi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 7, 2025
6:07 p.m.: Patrick Mahomes is on-site for “Sunday Night Football.”
QB1 here for SNF.@PatrickMahomes x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/dvfShdNHo9
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
The three-time Super Bowl MVP looks to get the Chiefs back in the playoff conversation tonight.
5:54 p.m.: After missing a few games with a concussion, Texans QB C.J. Stroud made his return in Houston’s emphatic win over the Colts.
QB1️⃣ clockin’ in for SNF pic.twitter.com/8vmUZ44984
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 7, 2025
Stroud threw for 276 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. He is still looking for his first passing touchdown since Oct. 26 against the Broncos.
5:45 p.m.: Will Anderson is one of the league’s top pass rushers, with 10.5 sacks on the season.
.@will_anderson28 has ARRIVED📍 pic.twitter.com/RLs7hbFaQY
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 7, 2025
Last time he was on primetime, he got to Josh Allen multiple times in Houston’s win.
5:43 p.m.: It’s going to be a cold one in Kansas City.
Bundle up for a chilly night under the lights. pic.twitter.com/J9Afh5dlta
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
Both offenses — which have each had their struggles this year — will have to brave the cold against the two top defenses they line up against.
5:34 p.m.: We are less than three hours away from a pivotal AFC clash at Arrowhead Stadium.
Lights on 🔜 pic.twitter.com/0nldGQjnS6
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
Both the Chiefs and Texans are looking to get into wild card spots in the conference. With a win tonight, Houston would be tied with the Indianapolis Colts (8-5) for the No. 7 seed.
The Chiefs would be one game behind the Colts with a win.
Where to watch Texans vs. ChiefsTexans vs. Chiefs start timeDate: Sunday, Dec. 7Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Houston and Kansas City will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday night. This is the third time the Chiefs are on “Sunday Night Football,” and their fifth night game of the season. On the other side, Houston is making it’s “Sunday Night Football” season debut, with its three night games before this coming in other slots.
What channel is Texans vs. Chiefs on today?
Texans vs. Chiefs is Week 14’s edition of “Sunday Night Football,” which airs nationally on NBC. Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Chris Collinsworth (color commentator) will be on the call, with Melissa Stark on the sidelines.
Viewers can stream the game on Peacock or Fubo, which offers new subscribers a free trial.
Texans schedule 2025WeekDate OpponentTime (ET)1412/07at Chiefs8:20 PM1512/14vs. Cardinals1:00 PM1612/21vs. Raiders4:25 PM1712/28at ChargersTBD1801/04vs. ColtsTBDChiefs schedule 2025WeekDate OpponentTime (ET)1412/07vs. Texans8:20 PM1512/14vs. Chargers1:00 PM1612/21at Titans1:00 PM1712/25vs. Broncos8:15 PM1801/04at RaidersTBD