Despite having no J.J. Watt – now again lost for the season – and no Whitney Mercilus after the game's first series and distressingly little pass defense all night long, the Texans refused to go down easily, thanks to another electrifying, hope-inspiring performance by rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The second of Watson's touchdown passes to Will Fuller in the second half, covering 48 yards, pulled the Texans to within six points early in the fourth quarter. But Alex Smith countered with a 10-yard shovel pass to Tyreek Hill and Hill later sealed the deal with an 82-yard punt return down the right sideline for a touchdown as the undefeated Chiefs left with a 42-34 victory before 71,835 at NRG Stadium.