The Texans are now in a playoff spot following their fifth straight victory, a win in Kansas City that was both cathartic and showed their immense potential to a national TV audience.

The Chiefs had trouble moving the ball against the Texans' fierce defense and are a step closer to elimination from the postseason field. Before Sunday night's game, The Athletic's projection had their playoff chances dropping to 16% with a loss to the Texans. NFL.com had it at 15%. Kansas City is in trouble.

The Houston Texans have won their fifth straight game. They relied on the NFL's top-ranked defense to shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. C.J.

The Texans, for the first time this season, find themselves in a playoff spot after beating the Chiefs in Kansas City.

With the Chiefs clinging to slim playoff hopes, Mahomes — in his 125th regular-season game as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting QB — came up with final numbers of 14 completions in 33 attempts for 160 yards and no touchdowns. And that added up to a passer rating of 19.8.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have been pulling off miracles for years. The Texans defense wasn't having any of that Sunday night.

The Texans' defense once again made its case for best in the NFL with a suffocating performance when it mattered most against the Chiefs.