The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Houston Texans for an anticipated divisional playoff matchup, with temperatures expected to hover around 21 degrees by kickoff. This game marks a significant event as it comes at the onset of an Arctic air mass, though not as severe as the Chiefs' last home playoff game which was recorded at -4 degrees. Historical data indicates that if the temperature falls to 22 degrees, it would rank as the third-coldest game for the Texans.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has faced challenges in cold weather, having lost both previous games played in temperatures at or below 30 degrees. In contrast, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds a strong record in such conditions, with a 9-1 record in his last ten starts under similar temperatures. Wind gusts are also projected to reach up to 25 mph, adding another layer of difficulty, especially for kickers like Ka'imi Fairbairn, who is accustomed to indoor conditions.