The Houston Texans faced a frustrating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round, highlighted by two contentious roughing the passer penalties against their defense. Will Anderson Jr. expressed disappointment, suggesting the game felt like a battle against the referees as these calls led to significant points for the Chiefs. The Texans' mistakes compounded, including a missed extra point and a crucial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, ultimately keeping them from reaching the AFC Championship for the first time.

Coach DeMeco Ryans remarked on the team's self-inflicted errors, emphasizing the need to correct mistakes at this stage of the playoffs. Despite a strong defensive performance, the Texans failed to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud adequately, leading to overwhelming pressure and multiple sacks. Stroud managed to evade some of this pressure with his legs, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory.