Chiefs-Texans final score: Alex Smith cements spot as the MVP leader in 42-34 win

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 42-34 on Sunday Night Football with another strong second half performance. This is becoming a trend where the Chiefs get stronger as the game goes on. This felt like a close, one-score game in the fourth quarter with 12 minutes left. A few minutes later the Chiefs led by 19. That’s how fast this happens.

The headlines will all be about JJ Watt’s injury but the Chiefs are the best team in the NFL.

Final stats are here.

Alex Smith balled out

His final line: 29/37, 324 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs

Alex balled out. There’s no other way to put it. He didn’t have a running game to fall back on and he put the team on his back. The Chiefs third down conversions were ridiculous. Alex converted on third and 11-plus multiple times. In the second half, the Chiefs faced third and 16 and they got 38 to Tyreek Hill. I can’t emphasize enough how crazy this is because this was NOT the Alex Smith we knew in previous years. The Chiefs offense went into a shell on third and long previously.

New Alex Smith was here tonight. The Chiefs can beat anyone with this quarterback.

The Texans shut down Kareem Hunt ... for a while

The Texans are not the first team to shut down Kareem Hunt in the first half. They had Jadeveon Clowney and the rest of that front really keying in on Hunt in the first half. They did a good job of swarming to him. Hunt still broke plenty of tackles. At one point, he had 25 rushing yards for the game and 26 rushing yards after contract, which is a crazy stat. The Texans did a nice job of bottling him up.

Eventually, though, Hunt will break loose and he did. He did my favorite thing which is pounding the rock late in the game while nursing a lead. The Texans defense was tired. Hunt finished with 107 yards on 29 carries. 29 carries!

Tyreek Hill finally gets one

Tyreek was on a big play streak entering the season before he was quieted down for a few games. He’s not so quiet anymore. The Texans, for some reason, punted to him and he returned it 82 yards to ice the game. He even gave the peace sign at the 20-yard line.

That’s 15 touchdowns in 21 career games for Tyreek Hill.

Kelce being looked at for a concussion

This was weird. Kelce took a helmet to helmet hit and the Texans were flagged for the hit. Kelce looked woozy getting up but he did get up quickly. He was on the sidelines for a couple of plays then he came back in. The second half started and Kelce wasn’t there as the Chiefs announced he was being evaluated for a concussion.

So, I’m not sure what happened but the appearance here is certainly that something went wrong. Did he take a concussion test? Did he pass it? I’m sure the Chiefs will address this after the game.

Kelce had eight catches for 98 yards in the first half.

Chris Conley went down

I hate to say it but it looked serious. I hope it’s not. He recovered a late onside kick and with little contact appeared to injure his leg. He plays basically every snap so this would be a big loss for sure. He left on a cart.

Butker is kicking butt

He’s a ... wait for it ... butt kicker! The Chiefs new kicker hit all five field goal attempts he took. This is starting to make me feel much better. Cairo Santos was released seemingly out of the blue a couple weeks ago (despite being injured) and I thought that was a risky move. It’s looking better and better so far. In Dave Toub I Trust.

Chiefs 2017 schedule

1. Chiefs 42 Patriots 27
2. Eagles 20 Chiefs 27
3. Chiefs 24 Chargers 10
4. Redskins 20 Chiefs 29
5. Chiefs 42 Texans 34
6. Steelers, 10/15, 3:25 pm, CBS
7. at Raiders, 10/19, 7:25 pm, CBS/NFLN
8. Broncos, 10/30, 7:30 pm, ESPN
9. at Cowboys, 11/5, 3:25 pm, CBS
10. Bye
11. at Giants, 11/19, 12 pm, CBS
12. Bills, 11/26, 12 pm, CBS
13. at Jets, 12/3, 12 pm, CBS
14. Raiders, 12/10, 12 pm, CBS
15. Chargers, 12/16, 7:25 pm, NFLN
16. Dolphins, 12/24, 12 pm, CBS
17. at Broncos, 12/31, 3:25 pm, CBS