The Texans and the Chiefs is becoming an annual affair. That is usually how things go when you sit at the top of your division. You eventually play most of the divisional leaders along the way. Maurice
Elston is our new contact with Arrowhead Pride and it was nice catching up with him. We started with the elephant in the room and that would be the Chiefs lackluster record for the first time since Patrick Mahomes took over at quarterback.
Battle Red Blog: The Chiefs currently sit at 6-6 which is easily their worst record through 12 games in about a decade. What do you think is the main reason for the drop off?
Maurice Elston: Fatigue is the clearest explanation. Since Patrick Mahomes became the starter, the Chiefs have played 18 more games than any other team—essentially an extra full season added onto the same core of players and coaches. Sustaining a championship workload for seven straight years is unprecedented, and at times the organization has patched around the edges to maintain the formula rather than refresh it.
This roster doesn’t require a rebuild. With Mahomes, Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie and others in place, the foundation remains strong. But after drafting at the back of the order for seven consecutive years, opportunities to add top-end talent have been limited. The team looks like it needs rest, new ideas, and schematic updates more than structural change.
Last year, Kansas City consistently found ways to win one-score games. This season those moments have flipped, and penalties have piled up. That lack of discipline often stems from exhaustion. The cumulative workload is starting to show.
BRB: The Chiefs offense still looks dangerous with Travis Kelce and a group of dynamic playmakers on the outside. Who do you think is the key to unlocking the Texans defense on Sunday night?
ME: Given the injuries at tackle, Kansas City will need to lean on quick passes early. Mahomes likely won’t have the time to consistently hit deep shots, so the offense should focus on getting the ball out fast to its playmakers—Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and the backs—and letting them operate in space.
Neutralizing Houston’s defensive front through timing routes and catch-and-run opportunities is the cleanest way to settle Mahomes into the game. If the Chiefs can establish that rhythm, it should open more vertical options as the night progresses.
BRB: Steve Spagnuola is one of the best defensive coordinators in the business. Who will the the Chiefs defense key in on to stop on Sunday night?
ME: The priority will be disrupting C.J. Stroud’s comfort level. Kansas City will need to mix disguises, rotate coverages, and alter its pressure looks to keep him from settling into rhythm. That’s where Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme typically excels.
Trent McDuffie should be positioned for a rebound after a difficult matchup against CeeDee Lamb. His pairing with Nico Collins is more favorable, and if the Chiefs can limit Houston’s top receiving option while forcing Stroud off his first read, the defense should deliver a stronger performance than it did against Dallas.
BRB: The Denver Broncos appear to be running away with the AFC West, but the Chargers are still lurking. How do you see the division shaking out? Which team in the division do Chiefs fans enjoy beating the most?
ME: Denver has taken control of the division, and both the Chargers and Chiefs face difficult closing schedules. Justin Herbert’s non-throwing-hand injury adds another variable for Los Angeles. It’s realistic to see the Chargers slipping late and Kansas City moving into the second-place spot, though that depends on the Chiefs stringing together wins—something still very much up in the air.
As for which rival Chiefs fans enjoy beating most, the answer remains the Raiders. The fan base doesn’t lack disdain for the Broncos or Chargers, but the history and animosity with the Raiders runs deeper. Even in down years for Las Vegas, that matchup carries a different edge.
BRB: Fanduel currently has the Chiefs as 3.5 point favorites for Sunday night. How do you see the game playing out? Are there any prop bets you feel comfortable recommending?
ME: This feels like a game either team can win. If Kansas City recaptures the offensive rhythm it showed during its early-season three-game streak, it should be able to control stretches of the matchup. The concern is playing without both starting tackles—one more than likely ruled out and the other still uncertain—which complicates protection and limits vertical opportunities.
At home, with postseason stakes rising, the Chiefs should be able to edge out a close contest. A score around 24–21 seems reasonable for either side.
The prop that stands out most is the total at 41.5. A game landing in the mid-40s feels more likely than a low-scoring outcome. It’s difficult to expect the Chiefs to stay under 20 points, and Houston has enough firepower to push the pace. A projected 24–21 type game puts the over in play.
We want to thank Maurice for taking the time to come in and answer our questions. A game with Kansas City almost feels like an annual affair these days and it usually happens in Arrowhead Stadium. The Texans will definitely have their work cut out for them this week. We want to wish Maurice and the Chiefs the best of luck for the remainder of the season. As per usual, we hope the luck begins on Monday morning.
