Chiefs Make Unexpected O-Line Shift For Playoff Opener

The Kansas City Chiefs are making a strategic move as they prepare for Saturday’s divisional playoff showdown against the Houston Texans, leaning on Joe Thuney at left tackle over D.J. Humphries. It’s a decision that underscores their desire to maintain momentum on an already dominant offensive line.

Thuney, known primarily as a guard, has transitioned seamlessly to left tackle, showcasing impressive adaptability and skill. While D.J.

Humphries, a seasoned tackle, is back to full health after dealing with a hamstring injury in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chiefs have found Thuney’s performance too compelling to ignore. With Humphries returning strong in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos, where he played 94% of the snaps, the Chiefs nonetheless see Thuney as their go-to guy.

The confidence in Thuney isn’t without merit. His transition to left tackle began with Week 16, when the Chiefs secured a win over the Texans, another sign of his solid integration into the line.

That victory, a 27-19 triumph, is fresh in the team’s memory as they gear up for this rematch. The Chiefs, carrying a stellar 15-2 record, are the AFC’s top seed, on a mission to make history as the first team ever to clinch three consecutive Super Bowl titles.

Their path to the AFC Championship runs through Houston, a team that pulled off an upset against the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round with a commanding 32-12 victory. The Texans flexed their muscles across offense, defense, and special teams, proving they’re not a team to be underestimated.

The atmosphere will be electric come 4:30 p.m. ET, with ESPN and ABC broadcasting the game, and the familiar voices of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman narrating the action.

For the Chiefs, it’s not just about advancing; it’s about writing another chapter in their storied quest for greatness. Fans can expect a thrilling clash, where every play, every snap, will count in this bid for a place in the AFC Championship Game.