AFC playoffs, Chiefs at Texans: Hoyer back for Weeden a good thing?

5. Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) at 4. Houston Texans (9-7)

TV: 3:35 p.m. Saturday, WFAA/8 and ESPN. Line: Chiefs by 3

Playoff records: Chiefs 8-15; Texans 2-2

Last playoff game: Chiefs lost wild-card game 45-44 at Indianapolis Colts, Jan. 4, 2014. Texans lost division game 41-28 at New England Patriots, Jan. 13, 2013.

2015 leaders: Chiefs: QB Alex Smith 307-470 for 3,486 yards, 20 TD, 7 INT; RB Charcandrick West 160-634, 4 TD; WR Jeremy Maclin, 87-1,088, 8 TD. Texans: QB Brian Hoyer 224-369 for 2,606 yards, 19 TD, 7 INT; RB Alfred Blue 183-698, 2 TD; WR DeAndre Hopkins 111-1,521, 11 TD.

Notable: Texans are 7-2 since Nov. 1 despite starting Brian Hoyer, T.J. Yates and Brandon Weeden at quarterback. Hoyer is back under center. Running game has been surprisingly effective, averaging more than 157 yards the past six outings. Passing attack relies on DeAndre Hopkins, but he’s had just one game of 100 yards over the past six. Defense, led by NFL sack leader J.J. Watt (17.5), has forced 10 turnovers in the past three games. Texans lost season opener 27-20 vs. Kansas City. Chiefs’ last playoff win was engineered by Hall of Famer Joe Montana against Houston Oilers and Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon on Jan. 16, 1994. Chiefs have lost past eight postseason dates. They come into the playoffs as the NFL’s hottest team, winning 10 in a row. Dominant defense tallied 22 interceptions and 47 sacks. Opponents have averaged just 12.8 points during win streak. Offense tapered off during final five games with seven turnovers and no passing total over 180 yards. QB Alex Smith has three playoff games under his belt, with 873 total passing yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 3:53 PM with the headline "AFC playoffs, Chiefs at Texans: Hoyer back for Weeden a good thing?."