Texans vs Chiefs Odds & Picks Week 16: Texans To Spark Early

The Houston Texans travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs as 2.5-point favorites in Week 16 action on Saturday. With Patrick Mahomes nursing an ankle injury and possibly missing the game, oddsmakers set the total at 39.5.

The Texans are fresh off a nice win vs. the Dolphins, while the Chiefs beat the Browns and maintain a two game lead over the Bills in their quest for the AFC's No. 1 seed.  

Texans vs Chiefs Odds Week 16

Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs, December 21st, 1 pm ET

Odds via FanDuel as of Dec. 16

Texans vs Chiefs Week 16 Picks

Texans 1st Half Winner (-124)

The Texans have held a lead at halftime in 10 of their last 11 games this season. The Chiefs have a habit of tightening of their defense at halftime after gathering info in the first half, but you won't have to worry about that for this bet. 

While it's possible that Patrick Mahomes plays this week with an injured ankle, I think the Chiefs are going to play it safe with their crowned jewel and sit him on a short week. With Carson Wentz likely making his first start, the Chiefs offense will be limited and the Texans can take full advantage early on while Wentz shakes off the rust.

The Chiefs secondary is vulnerable vs. teams that are deep at wide receiver and Tank Dell, Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and John Metchie should be licking their lips. Look for Texans QB CJ Stroud to take some deep shots early on and connect on a few bombs. 

Texans vs Chiefs Week 16 Props

It's a little too early in the week for a full selection of Texans vs. Chiefs player props. Check back here later in the week to see my favorite player prop for the Texans vs Chiefs game.

Texans vs Chiefs News

Obviously the big news this week is the health of Patrick Mahomes' ankle. Mahomes reportedly has a high ankle sprain that the Chiefs "don't think is bad" according to a Chiefs' source to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.

Mahomes in considered week-to-week, but with this game happening on Saturday, and a quick turn around to the Christmas Day game the following week,  there's a good chance Mahomes misses this game. If Mahomes sits, Carson Wentz will get the nod. Wentz made one start last season and this will be his first start of 2024.

Texans vs Chiefs Week 16 Betting Trends