Justin Reid has solidified his position as a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense since joining the franchise in 2022. As a key player in their recent Super Bowl victories, Reid's performance has been impressive, accumulating 265 total tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions. With the impending free agency, retaining Reid should be a top priority for the Chiefs to maintain their defensive strength going into the 2025 season. His experience and skill set make him irreplaceable, especially considering the potential gap left by his exit.

Although Jaden Hicks, a promising rookie safety, is on the roster, his statistics fall short compared to Reid's proven track record. The Chiefs need to ensure that they allocate sufficient funds to keep Reid, who previously earned $10.5 million. Given that Reid is just 28 years old, he has plenty left to contribute to the team and continuing his career in Kansas City seems essential for both parties.

In the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX, the spotlight shines not only on established stars like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts but also on critical first-year players who could influence the game. Among them is Xavier Worthy of the Chiefs, a developing receiver who has become pivotal in the playoffs, showcasing his speed and ability to make big plays. Jalyx Hunt of the Eagles, who has transitioned from safety to linebacker, has carved out a crucial role on a deep defensive line, demonstrating athleticism that could exploit Kansas City's offensive linemen.

Jaden Hicks, another Chiefs rookie, has solidified his place as a key safety, contributing significantly to defensive schemes while showcasing excellent tackling skills. On the Eagles, Quinyon Mitchell's health will be vital, as he has effectively transitioned from the MAC to the NFL, making an impact in coverage and during the playoffs. Topping the list is Cooper DeJean, whose strong defensive presence and ability to limit receiving yards will be critical in countering the Chiefs’ offensive strategies.

The Kansas City Chiefs concluded the 2024-25 regular season with a formidable 15-2 record, yet they faced an unexpected setback in their final game, suffering a crushing 38-0 defeat against the Denver Broncos. This marked the Chiefs' first shutout loss in years, highlighting defensive struggles against the Broncos' pressure on quarterback Carson Wentz.

Among the Chiefs' performances in Week 18, rookie safety Jaden Hicks stood out with four tackles, showcasing his potential as a reliable player for the upcoming playoffs. Conversely, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson struggled defensively, suffering multiple defeats against wide receiver Courtland Sutton, which leaves concerns about his future role in the playoff lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs secured their 14th victory of the season by defeating the Houston Texans, maintaining an undefeated home record. This comprehensive win showcased strong performances from key players, while also highlighting areas for improvement.

Rookie Jaden Hicks and Justin Reid stood out defensively, contributing significantly to the team's success. Conversely, Mike Caliendo and Trey Smith struggled, impacting the offense negatively. Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown made a notable debut, while Isiah Pacheco continued to face challenges in his performance.

Trent McDuffie excelled in coverage, further solidifying his role in the secondary, while Justin Watson missed a crucial opportunity to score. As the Chiefs look to secure the AFC's top seed, these performances will be critical in the final stretch of the regular season.

The Houston Texans face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a crucial matchup, marking the start of a challenging two-game stretch. Despite a strong defensive showing, the Texans struggled early, allowing a touchdown on the Chiefs' opening drive. C.J. Stroud's interception halted Houston's momentum, but they managed to score a field goal to stay in the game.

Patrick Mahomes showcased his mobility, scoring a touchdown despite concerns about his ankle injury. The Texans' defense, while effective at times, faced challenges against Mahomes' scrambles. As the game progresses, both teams sport special holiday-themed uniforms, adding a festive touch to the intense competition.