Uh-oh. The Kansas City Chiefs are not expected to have Justin Houston on Christmas night against the Denver Broncos, according to this report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Houston was questionable with what Andy Reid said was knee swelling. The Chiefs haven’t commented on this report.
For those setting fantasy lineups with IDPs, #Chiefs are not expected to have pass-rusher Justin Houston tomorrow night, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2016
This sucks if he is indeed out. Reid said earlier in the week he didn’t think it was that serious so this looks like something they may not have expected. I don’t like that uncertainty.
Houston was a beast in the last Chiefs-Broncos game with three sacks and 10 tackles. This is a big blow for a Chiefs defense that allowed 368 yards to Trevor Siemian last month.
The Chiefs defense is used to playing without Houston, who missed half the season already. But this game is so important for the Chiefs playoff and depending on what happens later today with Oakland their first round bye hopes. An Oakland loss and a Chiefs win will put the Chiefs back in first place and the second seed in the AFC.
Dee Ford and Tamba Hali will need a big game. Ford should be able to do work on whoever the Broncos are rolling out there at right tackle. If you’re looking for optimism Ford plays better on that side anyway. The Chiefs are still the better team with or without Houston.