KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Interstat) — A critical AFC clash with playoff implications is set for Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans. Both teams enter the Week 14 matchup with identical 7-5 records, but their recent trajectories differ. The Texans arrive having won three of their last four, including a 20-16 road victory over Indianapolis last Sunday. The Chiefs, meanwhile, look to rebound from a tough 31-28 loss at Dallas on Thanksgiving, which dropped them to .500. The spotlight will be fixed on the quarterback duel between Houston’s C.J. Stroud and Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes. Stroud is coming off an efficient performance against the Colts, completing 22 of 35 passes for 276 yards. He has spearheaded an offense that has shown explosive potential, scoring over 30 points in three games this season. Mahomes remains the engine of the Chiefs’ attack, even in a season of uncharacteristic inconsistency. In the loss to Dallas, he accounted for all four Kansas City touchdowns, throwing for 261 yards and three scores while adding 30 yards and another touchdown on the ground. His ability to extend plays will test a Houston defense that has been sturdy during its winning stretch. Houston’s ground game offers balance, with Woody Marks (64 yards vs. IND) and veteran Nick Chubb, who scored a touchdown last week. Kansas City will counter with a rushing attack led by Kareem Hunt, who had 58 yards against the Cowboys. Despite the identical records, oddsmakers favor the home team. Kansas City is a 3.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 41.5 points. A statistical projection from National Statistical forecasts a 34-21 Chiefs victory. The game carries significant weight for the postseason picture. The winner will secure a winning record and strengthen its position in the crowded AFC playoff race, while the loser will face increased pressure in the final month of the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CST on Sunday, December 7.