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Our Houston Texans are welcoming the Kansas City Chiefs in the first matchup of the 2015 NFL Playoffs. These two teams met in the first game of this season. The majority of us have chosen to move on from the nightmare that was that game, and focus on how the Texans have grown and developed over the course of the season. Now we're here, back in the playoffs (where we belong).
Last week, the Texans lost our most-tenured vet, Duane Brown, with a season-ending injury that we hope he recovers from in time for the start of next season. Brown's loss is bad for our offensive line, but at least Chris Clark was able to step in and not become the story along the line, which is about all you can ask for from your backups. The Chiefs should be getting Justin Houston back for this game, which will put more pressure on the offensive line to protect Brian Hoyer, but our defensive playmakers have gelled at the right time, and that should allow our defense to put more pressure on Alex Smith.
Ultimately, this is a game that's unlikely to develop into a shootout. Neither quarterback is going to put on an Aaron Rodgers-like performance, and that's okay, because both teams have been able to win without that. I'm expecting a low-scoring game, that, ultimately, the Texans win (of course). What about you? What are your hopes, fears, expectations?
This is your Countdown to Kickoff thread. Inactives will post around 2:00PM CST, and the First Quarter thread will post at 3:10PM CST. When the First Quarter thread opens, this thread will close.
Chiefs vs Texans coverage