The Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL, with their matchups always delivering high-energy football. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, understanding player stats from these games can give you a front-row seat to the excitement. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent clash on January 5, 2025, in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages. We’ll also look at key performances from their earlier meeting on November 10, 2024, to give you a full picture of this thrilling AFC West showdown. Let’s dive in!
Why the Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The CDetroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats have faced off 130 times, with Kansas City leading the series 73-57. Their games are always intense, as both teams fight for dominance in the AFC West. The January 5, 2025, game was particularly significant. The Chiefs, with a stellar 15-1 record, had already secured the AFC’s top seed and rested key starters like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones. Meanwhile, the Broncos, fighting for a playoff spot, came out swinging, resulting in a stunning 38-0 victory. Let’s explore the stats that shaped this game and highlight the standout players.
Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats: January 5, 2025 – Game Overview
The January 5, 2025, matchup at Empower Field at Mile High was a one-sided affair, with the Broncos dominating the Chiefs 38-0. Denver’s aggressive play and the Chiefs’ decision to rest starters led to a game where the Broncos’ offense and defense shone brightly. Below, we’ll break down the key player stats in passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and special teams, making it simple for anyone to follow along.
Passing Stats: Broncos’ Bo Nix Steals the Show
Denver Broncos:
-
Bo Nix: 26/29 completions, 321 yards, 11.1 yards per attempt, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 0 sacks, 152.4 passer rating.
Bo Nix was the star of the game, delivering a near-perfect performance. Completing 89.7% of his passes, Nix threw for 321 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his growth as Denver’s rookie quarterback. His ability to find open receivers and avoid pressure was key to the Broncos’ offensive success. Nix’s standout moment came in the first quarter when he connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for a touchdown after a clever play-action fake.
Kansas City Chiefs:
-
Carson Wentz: 10/17 completions, 98 yards, 5.8 yards per attempt, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 4 sacks for -22 yards, 75.1 passer rating.
-
Chris Oladokun: 0/0 completions, 0 yards, 1 sack for -5 yards, 0 passer rating.
With Patrick Mahomes on the bench, Carson Wentz led the Chiefs’ offense but struggled under pressure, taking four sacks. The Chiefs’ passing game couldn’t find a rhythm, managing only 98 yards total. Chris Oladokun saw limited action, further highlighting the Chiefs’ conservative approach with their backups.
Rushing Stats: Broncos Control the Ground
Denver Broncos:
-
Bo Nix: 7 carries, 47 yards, 6.7 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 27 yards.
-
Jaleel McLaughlin: 16 carries, 39 yards, 2.4 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 9 yards.
-
Audric Estime: 12 carries, 34 yards, 2.8 yards per carry, 1 touchdown, longest run 6 yards.
-
Javonte Williams: 5 carries, 28 yards, 5.6 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 10 yards.
-
Jarrett Stidham: 2 carries, 7 yards, 3.5 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 8 yards.
-
Michael Burton: 1 carry, 3 yards, 3.0 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 3 yards.
-
Team Total: 43 carries, 158 yards, 3.7 yards per carry, 1 touchdown.
The Broncos’ rushing attack was balanced and effective, with 158 yards on 43 carries. Bo Nix’s mobility added a dynamic element, with a 27-yard scamper setting up a scoring drive. Audric Estime punched in a touchdown in the fourth quarter, sealing the Broncos’ dominance. Jaleel McLaughlin led in carries, grinding out tough yards against a Chiefs defense missing key starters.
Kansas City Chiefs:
-
Carson Steele: 7 carries, 21 yards, 3.0 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 5 yards.
-
Chris Oladokun: 1 carry, 5 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 5 yards.
-
Samaje Perine: 1 carry, 1 yard, 1.0 yard per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run 1 yard.
-
Noah Gray: 1 carry, -4 yards, -4.0 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns, longest run -4 yards.
-
Team Total: 10 carries, 23 yards, 2.3 yards per carry, 0 touchdowns.
The Chiefs’ rushing game was nearly nonexistent, with only 10 carries for 23 yards. Carson Steele led the team but couldn’t break through Denver’s stout defense. The limited rushing attempts reflected Kansas City’s focus on preserving starters for the playoffs.
Receiving Stats: Broncos’ Receivers Shine
Denver Broncos:
-
Courtland Sutton: 5 receptions, 98 yards, 19.6 yards per reception, 1 touchdown, longest catch 47 yards, 7 targets.
-
Marvin Mims Jr.: 5 receptions, 51 yards, 10.2 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns, longest catch 32 yards, 5 targets.
-
Devaughn Vele: 4 receptions, 50 yards, 12.5 yards per reception, 1 touchdown, longest catch 32 yards, 4 targets.
-
Javonte Williams: 3 receptions, 50 yards, 16.7 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 25 yards, 4 targets.
-
Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 2 receptions, 26 yards, 13.0 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 17 yards, 2 targets.
-
Nate Adkins: 3 receptions, 25 yards, 8.3 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 12 yards, 3 targets.
-
Troy Franklin: 2 receptions, 12 yards, 6.0 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 7 yards, 2 targets.
-
Jaleel McLaughlin: 2 receptions, 9 yards, 4.5 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 6 yards, 2 targets.
-
Team Total: 26 receptions, 321 yards, 12.3 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns.
Denver’s receiving corps was electric, with Courtland Sutton leading the way. His 47-yard catch set the tone early, and his touchdown grab in the first quarter put the Broncos up 14-0. Marvin Mims Jr. was a red-zone threat, hauling in two touchdowns, while Devaughn Vele capitalized on a Chiefs’ defensive miscue for another score. The balanced attack kept Kansas City’s secondary on its heels.
Kansas City Chiefs:
-
Nikko Remigio: 2 receptions, 48 yards, 24.0 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 25 yards, 6 targets.
-
Peyton Hendershot: 2 receptions, 25 yards, 12.5 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 15 yards, 2 targets.
-
Samaje Perine: 1 reception, 13 yards, 13.0 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 13 yards, 1 target.
-
Justin Watson: 1 reception, 5 yards, 5.0 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 5 yards, 3 targets.
-
JuJu Smith-Schuster: 1 reception, 4 yards, 4.0 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 4 yards, 2 targets.
-
Carson Steele: 2 receptions, 2 yards, 1.0 yard per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 1 yard, 2 targets.
-
Noah Gray: 1 reception, 1 yard, 1.0 yard per reception, 0 touchdowns, longest catch 1 yard, 1 target.
-
Team Total: 10 receptions, 98 yards, 9.8 yards per reception, 0 touchdowns.
The Chiefs’ receiving game struggled, with Nikko Remigio being the bright spot with 48 yards on two catches. The lack of production from other receivers, coupled with constant pressure on Wentz, limited Kansas City’s passing attack.
Defense Stats: Broncos Shut Down the Chiefs
Denver Broncos:
-
Nik Bonitto: 3 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits.
-
Pat Surtain II: 3 solo tackles, 0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss, 0 QB hits.
-
Ja’Quan McMillian: 3 solo tackles, 0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended.
-
Cody Barton: 3 tackles, 1 solo, 0 sacks.
-
Jordan Jackson: 2 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit.
-
Jonathon Cooper: 2 tackles, 1 solo, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit.
-
Team Total: 32 tackles, 22 solo, 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 1 pass defended, 9 QB hits.
The Broncos’ defense was relentless, sacking Chiefs quarterbacks five times and holding them to just 121 total yards. Nik Bonitto led the charge with two sacks, while Pat Surtain II locked down receivers. The defense’s ability to disrupt Kansas City’s backups was a major factor in the shutout.
Kansas City Chiefs:
-
Cam Jones: 12 tackles, 8 solo, 0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss.
-
Nazeeh Johnson: 9 tackles, 7 solo, 0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss.
-
Joshua Uche: 8 tackles, 5 solo, 0 sacks, 0 tackles for loss.
-
Blake Lynch: 6 tackles, 3 solo, 0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss.
-
Jaden Hicks: 5 tackles, 5 solo, 0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended.
-
Team Total: 79 tackles, 48 solo, 0 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended.
The Chiefs’ defense, also featuring backups, struggled to contain Denver’s offense. Cam Jones led with 12 tackles, but the unit couldn’t generate sacks or force turnovers, allowing the Broncos to control the game.
Special Teams: Broncos Seal the Deal
Denver Broncos:
-
Wil Lutz (Kicker): 1/1 field goals (100%), longest 33 yards, 5/5 extra points, 8 points.
-
Punting: No punts recorded, reflecting Denver’s offensive efficiency.
Kansas City Chiefs:
-
Harrison Butker (Kicker): 0/1 field goals (0%), 0/0 extra points, 0 points.
-
Matt Araiza (Punter): 5 punts, 1 touchback, 3 inside the 20.
-
Nikko Remigio (Returns): 1 kick return for 36 yards, 1 punt return for 4 yards.
Wil Lutz was perfect for Denver, while Harrison Butker’s missed field goal in the second quarter was a rare low point for the Chiefs’ usually reliable kicker. Matt Araiza’s punting kept the Chiefs in the game early, but it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.
Looking Back: November 10, 2024 – A Closer Contest
For contrast, let’s take a quick look at the Chiefs’ 16-14 win over the Broncos on November 10, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This game was a nail-biter, with Kansas City closing on a 13-0 run to secure the victory.
-
Chiefs’ Key Performers:
-
Patrick Mahomes: 28/42 completions, 243 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, 5.8 yards per attempt.
-
Isiah Pacheco: 19 carries, 57 yards, 3.0 yards per carry.
-
Travis Kelce: Likely a key receiver, though specific stats aren’t detailed here.
-
Team Stats: 300 total yards, 4.6 yards per play, 7/16 on third downs.
-
-
Broncos’ Key Performers:
-
Bo Nix: 22/30 completions, 182 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 6.1 yards per attempt.
-
Javonte Williams: 23 carries, 78 yards, 3.4 yards per carry.
-
Team Stats: 260 total yards, 4.7 yards per play, 7/13 on third downs.
-
This game showcased a more competitive Chiefs team, with Mahomes and Kelce leading the way. Denver’s defense held strong, but Kansas City’s late surge made the difference.
What the Stats Tell Us
The January 5, 2025, game was a tale of two teams with different goals. The Broncos, desperate for a playoff berth, played their starters and executed a flawless game plan. Bo Nix’s near-perfect passing, combined with a balanced rushing attack and suffocating defense, overwhelmed a Chiefs team resting its stars. The November 10, 2024, game, however, showed how close these teams can be when both play their best.
For fans, these stats highlight the importance of key players like Nix and Sutton for Denver and Mahomes and Kelce for Kansas City. The Chiefs’ dominance in the rivalry (9-1 in their last 10 games before January 2025) shows their strength, but Denver’s shutout victory proves they can compete when it matters most.
Why This Matters for Fans
Whether you’re cheering for the Chiefs or Broncos, understanding player stats helps you appreciate the game’s nuances. For younger fans, it’s like seeing the superpowers of your favorite players—Nix’s pinpoint passes or Bonitto’s sack-hunting skills. For older fans, it’s a chance to analyze how strategy and roster decisions shape outcomes. The Chiefs’ choice to rest starters in January 2025 gave Denver a golden opportunity, and they seized it.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans Match Player Stats on January 5, 2025, was a masterclass by the Broncos, with Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, and the defense leading the way to a 38-0 rout. Comparing it to the tighter November 10, 2024, game shows how context—like resting starters—can change everything. These stats tell the story of a rivalry filled with passion, strategy, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a kid learning the game or a seasoned fan, the numbers bring the action to life.