C.J. Stroud, Texans Disappoint NFL Fans with Missed Chances in Playoff Loss to Chiefs

Jack MurrayJanuary 19, 2025

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 18: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

David Eulitt/Getty Images

The Houston Texans had plenty of chances to pull off an upset over the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday.

The bid, which was marred by sacks and miscues, came up short.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs eliminate the Texans and are headed to their 7TH STRAIGHT AFC CHAMPIONSHIP 😱 KC sends Houston to Cancun 🌴 <a href="https://t.co/bgsgpnJv9C">pic.twitter.com/bgsgpnJv9C</a>

The Texans entered the fourth quarter down by one point and had opportunities to pull off a stunner. However, a missed extra point, a blocked field goal and several late sacks ruined any chance at playing spoiler.

The Chiefs only produced 212 yards of offense and possessed the ball for just 26 minutes and 34 seconds. The Texans, meanwhile, totaled 336 total yards and held the ball for 33 minutes and 19 seconds.

NFL on ESPN @ESPNNFL
The Texans are the first team in NFL postseason history to outgain their opponent by 100 yards, have 0 turnovers, and lose. Prior to the Texans, teams were 49-0 in such games. Unreal. 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/NUI6eSEb7g">pic.twitter.com/NUI6eSEb7g</a>

Penalties and sacks undid the Texans, as the team had eight of each. That spoiled solid efforts from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who went 19-of-29 for 245 yards, and running back Joe Mixon, who had 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Fans took to social media to criticize the missed opportunities from Houston and the lack of competent play from the team's offensive line.

Phillip Riggs @phillipriggs85
Get CJ Stroud some protection and Houston is a Super Bowl team.

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LakeShowYo @LakeShowYo
"CJ Stroud drops back to pass" <a href="https://t.co/xolj8i8YpE">pic.twitter.com/xolj8i8YpE</a>

College Football Report @CFBRep
Death, Taxes, Stroud failed by kickers in big games

Patrick @PatTalksTexans
Nick, if you do not fix this. <a href="https://t.co/Mbe5s4vjoz">https://t.co/Mbe5s4vjoz</a>

Patrick Creighton @PCreighton1
Yes. Yes it does. There needs to be coaching accountability too. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texans</a>. <a href="https://t.co/RJtPSMCU8K">https://t.co/RJtPSMCU8K</a>

Scott Hescht @SHescht11509
If Texans don't get to the AFC championship next year, big disappointment. This year is forgivable. Most of roster returning. Get OL and WR and let's go! Big offseason ahead!

Ty. G. @iiM_SomeBoDY
Chiefs going to have to come with it if they want to win next week. Today wasnt that great of a game. Texans just aint it

NFL Memes @NFL_Memes
The Texans: Had more passing yards than the Chiefs. Has more rushing yards than the Chiefs. Had more first down than the Chiefs. But still lost.. <a href="https://t.co/ywkVkGyvdp">pic.twitter.com/ywkVkGyvdp</a>

Kansas City clinched a seventh straight AFC title game appearance and will face either the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl for the fifth time in the last six seasons.

Houston, however, heads home after a 10-7 regular season and another postseason that ended in disappointment.