Chiefs Edge Texans in Game Marred by Tank Dell’s Injury; Ravens Clinch Playoff Berth
The Kansas City Chiefs moved one step closer to securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a 27-19 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens clinched a playoff berth with a 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a pivotal AFC North showdown.
Chiefs vs. Texans: A Battle Overshadowed by Injury
In the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, the Chiefs hosted the Texans in a matchup that took a dramatic turn in the third quarter.
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap after a spectacular 30-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud. The touchdown brought Houston within one point, 17-16, but Dell’s leg was awkwardly pinned under teammate Jared Wayne during the play.
Arrowhead Stadium fell silent as medical personnel attended to Dell, who was eventually carted off with his left leg immobilized. He was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, for further evaluation.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed after the game that Dell’s knee injury was significant, and he would remain in Kansas City overnight for observation.
“We’re a family, and Tank means so much to this team beyond football,” Ryans said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Dell, who had six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, was one of Houston’s key contributors before the injury. His absence drained the Texans’ momentum, and the team struggled to regain its footing.
Chiefs Take Control
Patrick Mahomes, playing through a high ankle sprain suffered last week, showed no signs of being limited. The Chiefs quarterback opened the scoring with a 15-yard rushing touchdown, capping an 11-play, 66-yard drive in the first quarter.
After Dell’s injury, Mahomes connected with Xavier Worthy for an 8-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, extending the Chiefs’ lead to 24-16. Both teams traded field goals late, but the Texans couldn’t muster another scoring drive.
The win improved Kansas City’s record to 14-1, bringing them closer to clinching the AFC’s top seed. They can secure the first-round bye on Sunday if the Buffalo Bills lose or tie against the New England Patriots. Otherwise, the Chiefs can lock it up with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
The Texans, now 7-8, will host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas.
Ravens Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Steelers
In the nightcap, the Baltimore Ravens secured their playoff berth with a 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium.
Lamar Jackson led the Ravens with 207 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Derrick Henry powered the ground game with 162 rushing yards.
After the Steelers tied the game 17-17 midway through the third quarter, the Ravens surged ahead with 17 unanswered points. A pivotal moment came when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Jackson early in the fourth quarter, giving Pittsburgh a chance to tie.
However, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson threw a costly pick-six to Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, who returned it 37 yards for a touchdown, sealing the game.
The Ravens’ win ties them with the Steelers at 10-5 atop the AFC North, denying Pittsburgh an early claim to the division crown.
With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the race for the AFC North title is set to go down to the wire.
