As we enter the final weeks of the NFL season, it's becoming do-or-die for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, Kansas City sits at 6-6 and two games outside of the AFC playoff picture.
The Chiefs have already (almost) surrendered the AFC West to the Denver Broncos, ending a nine-year reign where the division title stayed in Kansas City. Though, not many expected the Chiefs to be outside of the playoff picture fully this late in the season; Kansas City has made the NFL postseason every season since 2014.
STREAM: Watch Chiefs vs. Texans live with Fubo (free trial for new users)
If the Chiefs want to salvage their playoff aspirations, it starts on "Sunday Night Football" against the surging Houston Texans. Houston — who sits at eighth in the AFC with a 7-5 record — has rattled off four straight wins, the last two being marquee ones; it first suffocated Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, followed up by defeating the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts on the road.
For star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Texans defense presents one of his toughest challenges. Houston leads the NFL with the No. 1 scoring defense (allowing 16.5 points per game) while also leading league in yards allowed per game. Quarterbacks the defense have given struggles to include Allen, Daniel Jones, and Trevor Lawrence
With C.J. Stroud back and healthy, the rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional Round — which the Chiefs won 23-14 — has plenty of playoff implications on the line for two teams looking to get in. Can Mahomes, Andy Reid, Travis Kelce and co. Pull off some late season magic?
Follow along for updates.
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Texans vs. Chiefs score
Texans vs. Chiefs results, highlights from Week 14 'Sunday Night Football'
6:07 p.m.: Patrick Mahomes is on-site for "Sunday Night Football."
QB1 here for SNF.@PatrickMahomes x #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/dvfShdNHo9
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
The three-time Super Bowl MVP looks to get the Chiefs back in the playoff conversation tonight.
5:54 p.m.: After missing a few games with a concussion, Texans QB C.J. Stroud made his return in Houston's emphatic win over the Colts.
QB1️⃣ clockin’ in for SNF pic.twitter.com/8vmUZ44984
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 7, 2025
Stroud threw for 276 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. He is still looking for his first passing touchdown since Oct. 26 against the Broncos.
5:45 p.m.: Will Anderson is one of the league's top pass rushers, with 10.5 sacks on the season.
.@will_anderson28 has ARRIVED📍 pic.twitter.com/RLs7hbFaQY
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 7, 2025
Last time he was on primetime, he got to Josh Allen multiple times in Houston's win.
5:43 p.m.: It's going to be a cold one in Kansas City.
Bundle up for a chilly night under the lights. Pic.twitter.com/J9Afh5dlta
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
Both offenses — which have each had their struggles this year — will have to brave the cold against the two top defenses they line up against.
5:34 p.m.: We are less than three hours away from a pivotal AFC clash at Arrowhead Stadium.
Lights on 🔜 pic.twitter.com/0nldGQjnS6
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 7, 2025
Both the Chiefs and Texans are looking to get into wild card spots in the conference. With a win tonight, Houston would be tied with the Indianapolis Colts (8-5) for the No. 7 seed.
The Chiefs would be one game behind the Colts with a win.
Where to watch Texans vs. Chiefs
Texans vs. Chiefs start time
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 7
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Houston and Kansas City will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday night. This is the third time the Chiefs are on "Sunday Night Football," and their fifth night game of the season. On the other side, Houston is making it's "Sunday Night Football" season debut, with its three night games before this coming in other slots.
What channel is Texans vs. Chiefs on today?
Texans vs. Chiefs is Week 14's edition of "Sunday Night Football," which airs nationally on NBC. Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Chris Collinsworth (color commentator) will be on the call, with Melissa Stark on the sidelines.
Viewers can stream the game on Peacock or Fubo, which offers new subscribers a free trial.
Texans schedule 2025
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| 14 | 12/07 | at Chiefs | 8:20 PM |
| 15 | 12/14 | vs. Cardinals | 1:00 PM |
| 16 | 12/21 | vs. Raiders | 4:25 PM |
| 17 | 12/28 | at Chargers | TBD |
| 18 | 01/04 | vs. Colts | TBD |
Chiefs schedule 2025
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| 14 | 12/07 | vs. Texans | 8:20 PM |
| 15 | 12/14 | vs. Chargers | 1:00 PM |
| 16 | 12/21 | at Titans | 1:00 PM |
| 17 | 12/25 | vs. Broncos | 8:15 PM |
| 18 | 01/04 | at Raiders | TBD |