The NFL divisional round is set to kickoff in Kansas City at 4:30 ET on Saturday as the Chiefs host the Houston Texans. This game is followed by the Washington Commanders taking on the Lions in Detroit. Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams travel to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Buffalo Bills host the Baltimore Ravens. It should be a great slate of games, and two of these AFC teams have received injury updates on crucial players.
Two AFC Divisional Round Injury Updates
The Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens have received injury news about two offensive playmakers. Texans starting running back Joe Mixon missed practice Thursday however, he is still expected to suit up for Houston on Saturday. For Baltimore, the news is not as promising. Wide receiver Zay Flowers is expected to miss Sunday night’s game against the Bills.
Mixon Could be an X-Factor
Joe Mixon could be the key to the Houston Texans’ success against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mixon’s versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him a dangerous threat out of the backfield for quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense. The Chiefs’ defense has been solid this season, particularly against the pass. It won’t be an easy task for Mixon or Houston, but success on the ground will be crucial in this game. If Mixon can gain consistent yardage on the ground, it will open up passing opportunities over the top of the defense for Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins.
Mixon’s ability to gain consistent yardage on the ground could also help keep Kansas City’s high-powered offense off the field. His effectiveness in the passing game provides Stroud with a reliable checkdown option. In games where Mixon has exceeded 100 scrimmage yards, Houston has consistently controlled the tempo and usually come away with victories. If Mixon delivers through the air and on the ground, he could be the X-factor that tips the scales in Houston’s favor.
Zay Flowers Absence
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens may face an uphill battle against the Buffalo Bills, with star wide receiver Zay Flowers reportedly unlikely to play. Flowers has been a revelation for the Ravens this season, bringing speed, elusiveness, and big-play ability to their offense. He has accumulated 74 receptions for 1,059 yards this season. His absence would put additional pressure on quarterback Lamar Jackson to create plays without one of his most dynamic weapons.
The Bills’ defense is led by their strong secondary. They will likely shift their focus to Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman. This will make it way harder for Jackson to find open targets. Additionally, without Flowers ability to stretch the field, Buffalo can bring more defenders into the box to neutralize the Ravens elite rushing attack. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson have formed a lethal rushing attack this season. With Flowers no longer a threat on the outside, Henry will be a major focus for the Bills defense. While the Ravens still have a capable offense, the loss of Flowers limits their explosiveness. This gives the Bills a crucial advantage in a pivotal AFC matchup.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – USA Today Sports
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