Tonight's Sunday Night Football Game will be between a pair of teams looking to keep their playoff hopes alive when the 6-6 Kansas City Chiefs face the 7-5 Houston Texans. Despite an early turnaround, Kansas City has floundered recently, with one win in its last four games. Houston has looked like KC's opposite as they come into this one riding a four-game win streak.

On Thanksgiving, the Chiefs fell to the Dallas Cowboys, 31-28. Though Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdowns in that game, KC's defense was burned by the Cowboys for 457 total yards, which led to their sixth loss of the season in games decided by one score or less.

“We're right in position where, if we can figure out those two, three plays, you flip this around. I mean, you're talking three-point games, one-score games here that we're dealing with,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on December 1st. “But you've got to do that, and you’ve got to figure that out. That's our challenge. As coaches, we’ve got to make sure we're putting the guys in the right position. Got to make sure we're mentally prepared to play four quarters.”

With that recent loss, the Chiefs do not have any margin for error moving forward. In all likelihood, KC will have to win all of its remaining games and maybe even get some outside help if it wants to reach the postseason.

“I think, more than anything, we’ve just got to execute at a higher level. I thought we've done a lot of good things, but - at the same time - we've made a lot of mistakes that we haven't been able to overcome,” Patrick Mahomes told reporters on Wednesday. “We’ve got to be better in those bigger moments, not make those mistakes, and - at the end of the day - go prove it. You’ve got to prove it on gameday, and that's something that I believe we can do.”

It's no secret that the Houston Texans' strength is their defense. They rank first in yards allowed per game (265.7) and defensive scoring (16.5 points per game).

“[They’re] very talented all across the board. All three levels of the defense [are] very talented. They present a good challenge,” said Chiefs offensive lineman Creed Humphrey. ”They have great pass rushers, great players inside, great linebackers, great secondary. So, it presents a good challenge, and the guys are excited for it.”

“You’ve got to match their intensity. I think that's the biggest thing,” Patrick Mahomes added. “Obviously, the D-line's good, the linebackers are good, and the DBs are good, but I think what makes them who they are is how hard they play. Every single snap, they're flying around, and they're trying to make plays happen. They're trying to intercept the football. They're trying to knock the football out. They're trying to make big hits. So, we’ve got to match that intensity as an offense and as a team in order to go out there and get a win.”

On the other side, the Texans have forced their way into the AFC Playoff Picture with five wins in their last six games. Though they're currently on the outside looking in, a win this weekend will put them in the running for a Wild Card spot.

“We're just – wow - so thankful for the opportunity that we have. [I’m] thankful for our team and the way everybody came and battled. Each and every man in this room played a part in finishing this game the right way and putting us on the winning side,” said head coach DeMeco Ryans after Houston’s 20-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts. “It just goes to like how we finish. I know I continue to say that, but that's the difference… Everybody sees our team. We have that true resolve. Like, no one play is going to get us in the tank. Everybody understands it's a 60-minute battle each and every time we step out there. We're playing full, 60-minute games now, and that’s the difference.”

It helps that the Texans' offense has been better recently. After averaging 21.2 points per game through their first six matchups, they've increased that output by almost 1.5 points to 22.7 points per game in their last six outings.

“I think they've continued to get better at just fundamental football,” explained offensive coordinator Nick Caley. “In the run game, I think our double teams and combinations have gotten better and improved steadily… I think, in terms of the pass protection, the cohesiveness - starting with communication and being on the same page - those guys have done a really good job of just working together, communicating so that we're all coordinated in terms of our distribution in the pass pro. So, when you couple that run game [and] pass protection, I think we've made some strides.”

Whenever going against the Kansas City Chiefs, teams will want to focus on containing Patrick Mahomes. He currently ranks third in passing yards per game (269.8).

“[He’s] obviously a supremely talented quarterback,” said defensive coordinator Matt Burke. "Very unique in how he operates in terms of all the off-schedule plays he makes and his ability to make explosive throws from outside the pocket, from anywhere outside the framework. So, [it’s] obviously a huge challenge for us this week for sure.”

Prediction for Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5)

KC has struggled to meet expectations against the better defensive teams in the league. They have gone head-to-head with six of the 13 best scoring defenses in the NFL and are 1-5 in those matchups with losses to the Chargers, Eagles, Broncos, Jaguars, and Bills. It's also worth mentioning that the Chiefs are dealing with injuries to four offensive linemen, which could be disastrous against a Texans defense that is tied for seventh in sacks this season (34). As long as Houston wins the turnover battle, they should be fine. That seems highly likely since KC is tied for the third fewest takeaways this season.

Prediction: Texans 22 - 18 Chiefs

How to watch Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5)

Texans @ Chiefs starts at 8:20 p.m. EDT at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. You can watch it on NBC or stream it via the Peacock app or YouTube TV.

What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call or visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling:

• Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-Call GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org

• CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY – Call 1-800-GAMBLER

• AZ- Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP

• IA – Call 1-800-BETS-OFF

• KS, NV – Call 1-800-522-4700

• KY – Call 1-800 GAMBLER, 18+

• MI – Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help

• MA – Call 1-800-327-5050

• NC – Call – 1-800-662-4357

• NY- Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it is important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.

While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and guides are rated 21+ only.

The following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:

21+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER