Texans up for challenge of facing Chiefs in divisional round

Houston Texans overcame a 16-point deficit to get a 22-19 overtime win against Buffalo Bills in first round of playoffs. w y move on to face Kansas City, where y'll look for a win to reach AFC championship game for first time in franchise history. Sunday will be Houston's fourth trip to divisional round and second under coach Bill O'Brien.

y last reached this round in 2016 season when y were eliminated by New England Patriots in a 34-16 loss. Texans were also defeated by Patriots in second round in 2012 season and lost to Ravens in ir first trip to that round in 2011 season.

"se guys understand opportunity in front of m and y understand what it's going to take in Arrowhead Stadium against a great football team," O'Brien said. "y're very appreciative of opportunity and y're going to do everything y can to try to take advant of it."

Houston trailed 16-0 in third quarter before scoring 19 straight points to take lead in fourth quarter on Saturday. Bills tied it with a late field goal to force overtime.

Deshaun Watson avoided two sacks to make a remarkable play that resulted in a 34-yard completion that set up winning field goal in overtime.

That Houdini-like escape was just latest in a career where Watson has shown a knack for making highlight-reel plays. But as good as that one was, O'Brien believes a play Watson made against Oakland earlier this season when he took a cleat to face before throwing a touchdown pass was better.

"I'm very lucky," O'Brien said. "I've seen some incredible plays and that was an incredible play. But I think that when you get kicked in eye and you still are able to complete a touchdown pass, I'm t sure that you can surpass that."

WHAT’S WORKING

Watson's play on Saturday was catalyst in Houston's comeback. third-year quarterback threw for 247 yards and a touchdown and ran for 55 yards and ar score in win. Most importantly, Watson didn't turn ball over after throwing five interceptions combined in his previous three games.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Houston must improve its pass protection after Watson was sacked seven times and hit 12 or times against Buffalo.

"We've got to do a better job at that," O'Brien said.

But O'Brien was quick to point out that problems are t just fault of offensive line.

"re's a lot of keys to that," O'Brien said. "At end of day it comes down to communication, everybody being on same p, how y see defense ... everybody's involved, Deshaun's involved, line's involved, receivers, tight ends, backs."

STOCK UP

Outside linebacker Jacob Martin had his best game of season on Saturday. Martin, who was part of trade that sent 2014 top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney to Seattle, had a sack, two quarterback hits and recovered a fumble against Bills.

STOCK DOWN

WR Keke Coutee was active on Saturday but was only player aside from backup quarterback A.J. McCarron who didn't play. Coutee, who had 110 yards receiving with a touchdown in Houston's playoff game last season, has fallen out of favor this season and his playing time has diminished despite receiver Will Fuller dealing with injuries.

INJURED

Fuller missed his second straight game with a groin injury, but O'Brien said he's improving and could return this week. ... CB Johnathan Joseph missed Saturday's game with a hamstring injury and is listed day to day this week.

KEY NUMBER

0 — DeAndre Hopkins didn't have a reception in first half on Saturday for first time since Week 16 of 2017 season. He bounced back in second half to finish with six catches for 90 yards.

NEXT STEPS

Texans must find a way to better protect Watson and get off to a better start against Chiefs after ir terrible first half against Bills.

Houston's defense should get a boost in J.J. Watt's second game back after missing eight games with a torn pectoral muscle which required surgery. Watt played about 50 snaps on Saturday and had a sack. O'Brien said he'll consult with Watt to see how he's feeling and hopes that he can play a bit more this week.