How does the first playoff game go in the EA Universe?
STOP!
If you want to watch the simulation without spoilers, start the above video — or if you can’t see it, click here.
Here’s what happened in our simulation:
First quarter
C.J. Stroud found his rhythm after narrowly avoiding a three-and-out, utilizing a deep out route to Xavier Hutchison for multiple first downs to push past midfield.
Nico Collins hauled in an 18-yard catch to get the Texans into the red zone, but the nearly-eight-minute drive stalled inside the 10-yard line when the Chiefs’ defense stopped Dalton Schultz a few yards shy of a first down.
Ka’imi Fairbairn then converted a chip-shot field goal.
On the Chiefs’ following drive, Patrick Mahomes was intercepted by Neville Hewitt, putting the Texans deep in Chiefs’ territory.
However, the Chiefs’ defense again stood tall as Justin Reid intercepted a pass intended for Schultz in the end zone.
End of the first quarter: Texans 3, Chiefs 0
Second quarter
Reid’s momentum from the interception forced him out of bounds at the 1-yard line. The Chiefs advanced near midfield on their next possession but were forced to punt.
The Texans’ offense moved methodically down the field, converting four third downs along the way. Once in the red zone, they turned to Joe Mixon, who carried the ball three times for 18 yards, including a touchdown.
The Chiefs’ offense responded with a drive into Texans territory, fueled by a pair of Travis Kelce receptions. However, edge rusher Danielle Hunter sacked Mahomes on second down, and a third-down check to Samaje Perine resulted in just a 2-yard gain.
Adding to their struggles, kicker Harrison Butker missed the ensuing field goal attempt, giving the Texans excellent field position with 30 seconds left before halftime.
The Texans capitalized with a 50-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn to close out the half.
End of the second quarter: Texans 13, Chiefs 0
Third quarter
With five minutes left in the quarter, the Chiefs were driving, and Mahomes finally connected with Xavier Worthy on a couple of big plays. Mahomes extended a play, hitting Worthy on a 15-yard in route to pick up a first down. Worthy found a seam and stopped for the catch to keep the drive alive.
Inside the 15-yard line on third-and-short, Mahomes missed a wide-open receiver, forcing the Chiefs to settle for a field goal.
Butker converted the kick to put points on the board.
End of the third quarter: Texans 13, Chiefs 3
Fourth quarter
The Chiefs’ defense had a prime opportunity to get off the field, but Stroud converted a crucial third-and-11 with a 20-yard completion to Schultz.
Stroud’s confidence showed on the next play as Schultz made a diving catch for another first down. Three plays later, Stroud connected with Collins on a post route for a touchdown.
The Chiefs got the ball back with just under five minutes remaining, now trailing by three scores.
Mahomes orchestrated a quick drive, starting with an out route to Travis Kelce, followed by a post-route pass to Kelce for a significant gain. Hollywood Brown finally got involved, hauling in a pass that brought the Chiefs to the Texans’ 8-yard line.
From there, Mahomes targeted Kelce again, finding him in the end zone with 1:17 left in the game.
The Chiefs attempted an onside kick – but the Texans recovered to seal the victory.
Final score: Texans 20, Chiefs 10
Notable stats
C.J. Stroud 21/25, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Patrick Mahomes 23/30, 190 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Isiah Pacheco 4 att, 16 yards
Joe Mixon 17 att, 78 yards, 1 TD
Travis Kelce 9 rec, 77 yards, 1 TD
Xavier Worthy 6 rec, 47 yards
Hollywood Brown 4 rec, 37 yards
Dalton Schultz 8 rec, 61 yards
Nico Collins 5 rec, 80 yards, 1 TD
Trent McDuffie 12 total, 7 solo, 1 TFL
Justin Reid 5 solo, 1 INT
Drue Tranquill 6 total, 4 solo
It could just be the last Madden Simulation of the year — but if it’s not… expect another next week.