Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.
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Demonstrators launch firecracker into the parliament's building during a rally to protest against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)
A crane lifts a container filled with seized weapons to be destroyed at a metallurgic plant in Nobsa, Colombia, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, listens to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, talks to Uruguay's former President Jose "Pepe" Mujica outside Mujica's home in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
A woman shouts slogans during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Law enforcement members watch as rescue workers continue to search, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, in Marguerite, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
An Israeli soldier gives instruction to a platoon in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)
Rishikis from Japan's Sumo Kyokai, Daisuke Kitanowaka, right, and Akira Fukutsuumi pose for a photo call outside of London's Royal Albert Hall in London, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 where the UK's second ever official basho will take place in October of next year. (AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
Athletic Bilbao's players celebrates with their fans after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)
Demonstrators use lasers against the police during a rally outside the parliament building to protests against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia, early Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)
Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
An Israeli soldier works on loading a tank onto a transport truck at an area near the Israeli-Lebanese border, as seen from northern Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Residents from the city of Metula, Israel's northernmost town return to check for damage in the local synagogue, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
The body 18-month-old Sham Shurrab is carried by her uncle for burial in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike at the Muwassi camp, outside the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Israeli airstrikes struck the camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
A doll lies among plastic debris and clothes in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike at the Muwassi camp near Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Israeli airstrikes struck the camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
NEW/DEVELOPING
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MIDEAST-WARS-HAMAS-OFFICIAL; ISRAEL-NETANYAHU; CALIFORNIA-EARTHQUAKE; SYRIA-HAMA-EXPLAINER; CHI CHI'S-RETURN; BIDEN-CHRISTMAS TREE; TYRE NICHOLS-WHAT TO KNOW; TRUMP-GABBARD; TRUMP-MIDEAST; TRUMP-TRANSITION-PROJECT 2025; PLAYOFF-MONEY MATTERS
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ONLY ON AP
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AI-DATA-CENTERS — The sprawling, windowless warehouses that hold rows of high-speed servers powering almost everything the world does on phones and computers are increasingly becoming fixtures of the American landscape. But some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. By Dan Merica and Jesse Bedayn. SENT: 1,480 words, photos. An abridged version of 990 words is also available.
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TOP STORIES
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UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED — The masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said. By Michael Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak. SENT: 750 words, photos, video. WITH: UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED-BULLET-MESSAGE — Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics; UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED-THE-LATEST; UNITEDHEALTHCARE-SHOOTING-WHAT-TO-KNOW.
MIDEAST-WARS-HAMAS-OFFICIAL — A Hamas official says that international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. By Abby Sewell. SENT: 950 words, photos. WITH: TRUMP-MIDEAST — Donald Trump dispatched his incoming envoy to the Mideast for talks on reaching Gaza ceasefire; ISRAEL-NETANYAHU — Israeli court rejects Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to limit how often he’ll testify (both sent).
TRUMP-MUSK-CONGRESS — Billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy meet with legislators behind closed doors on Capitol Hill about President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to “dismantle” the federal government. By Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking. SENT: 910 words, photos, video. Developing from events on Capitol Hill.
CALIFORNIA-EARTHQUAKE — A 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook a large area of Northern California, knocking items of grocery store shelves, sending children scrambling under desks and prompting a brief tsunami warning for 5.3 million people along the U.S. West Coast. By Olga R. Rodriguez and Stefanie Dazio. SENT: 1,010 words, photos, audio, graphic. WITH: TSUNAMIS-WHAT-TO-KNOW.
SOUTH KOREA-MARTIAL LAW — South Korea’s president has replaced his defense minister as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets. Opposition parties are pushing for a vote on motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday evening. They hold 192 seats but need 200 votes for the motion to pass. By Hyung-jin Kim and Kim Tong-hyung. SENT: 1,020 words, photos, video, audio.
BITCOIN-100K EVOLUTION — Born from the ashes of the 2008 global financial crisis, bitcoin arrived after trust had withered in the financial system and in Washington’s ability to protect those who must participate in it. Now, it’s Washington’s very embrace of bitcoin that’s helping to send its price to records and lining the pockets of its believers. By Business Writer Stan Choe. SENT: 610 words, photo. With BITCOIN-100K (sent).
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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES
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KENYA-KUNG FU — A growing number of young people in Kenya see kung fu as a path toward future employment. Kung fu has emerged as an alternative to the more popular martial art of taekwondo. The growing visibility of Chinese workers in Kenya for major infrastructure projects has sparked an interest in their culture. By Evelyne Musambi and Desmond Tiro. SENT: 640 words, photos.
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MORE NEWS
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MISSING WOMAN-SINKHOLE SEARCH — Crews are resuming work in the effort to locate a woman who authorities fear died after falling into a Pennsylvania sinkhole. SENT: 1,050 words, photos, video, audio, localization.
CHI CHI'S-RETURN — Chi-Chi’s is making a comeback. The Mexican chain said this week that it plans to open some new restaurants next year. SENT: 280 words, photo.
BIDEN-CHRISTMAS TREE — President Joe Biden lights the National Christmas Tree. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos after 6 p.m. event.
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS
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TRUMP-HEGSETH — Pete Hegseth is trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead the Defense Department despite allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault. But lawmakers are also troubled by his stand that women should not serve in on the front lines of military combat. SENT: 1,070 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: TRUMP-TRANSITION-PROJECT 2025 — The conservative think tank behind Project 2025 is reemerging with a campaign to back Trump’s imperiled Cabinet selections (sent).
TRUMP-GABBARD — Nearly 100 former senior diplomats and intelligence and national security officials ask Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick as national intelligence director. SENT: 610 words, photo.
CONGRESS-SECRET SERVICE — The acting director of the Secret Service says the agency is “reorganizing and reimagining” its culture and how it operates following an assassination attempt against Donald Trump on the campaign trail. SENT: 850 words, photos.
TRUMP — Donald Trump is set to make a rare appearance outside his Florida home to accept a patriotism award from Fox News at an event on New York’s Long Island. SENT: 530 words, photo. Speech expected around 9:45 p.m.
CONGRESS-GAETZ — The House Ethics Committee meets to consider releasing a report on its long-running investigation into Matt Gaetz, Trump’s now-withdrawn pick for attorney general. SENT: 380 words, photos. House vote expected after 6 p.m.
PROUD BOYS-POLICE OFFICER CHARGED — Former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio balks at answering a prosecutor’s questions about the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. SENT: 750 words, photos.
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YEAR END STORIES
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YE-MUSIC-SONGS OF THE YEAR 2024 — Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman has chosen 10 of the best songs of 2024. SENT: 980 words, photos. WITH: YE-MUSIC-ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2024 —AP’s top albums of 2024: Beyoncé, Charli XCX, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Mk.gee and more (sent); YE-TOP PHOTOS-US PHOTO GALLERY — In 2024, U.S. photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires. Find a selection of related YE photos in AP Newsroom.
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NATIONAL
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FEDERAL-PRISONS — The federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its “rape club” women’s prison in California and will idle six facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement, The Associated Press has learned. SENT: 930 words, photo.
TYRE NICHOLS — Memphis’ mayor has pushed back against the need for a Justice Department deal to enact reforms in light of the scathing findings of an investigation into the Memphis Police Department, saying the city has already made hundreds of positive changes since the beating death of Tyre Nichols. SENT: 870 words, photos, video, audio. WITH TYRE-NICHOLS-WHAT-TO-KNOW — Things to know about the federal investigation into the Memphis Police Department (sent).
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INTERNATIONAL
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FRANCE GOVERNMENT-MACRON — French President Emmanuel Macron vows to stay in office until the end of his term, due in 2027, and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days in efforts to overcome the political deadlock following the resignation of ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier. SENT: 900 words, photos, audio. With FRANCE-GOVERNMENT-MACRON-THE LATEST.
SYRIA-OPPOSITION — Syrian insurgents swept into the central city of Hama and government forces withdrew, dealing another major blow to Syrian President Bashar Assad days after insurgents captured much of Aleppo, the country’s largest city. SENT: 850 words, photos, video, audio. With SYRIA-HAMA-EXPLAINER — Why the rebel capture of Syria’s Hama, a city with a dark history, matters (sent).
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HEALTH & SCIENCE
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NASA-MOON MISSIONS — NASA has announced more delays in sending astronauts back to the moon more than 50 years after Apollo. By Aerospace Writer Marcia Dunn. SENT: 540 words, photos.
STUCK ASTRONAUTS — NASA’s two stuck astronauts have hit the six-month mark in space. By Aerospace Writer Marcia Dunn. SENT: 730 words, photos, videos.
SOLAR ECLIPSE-LAUNCH — A pair of European satellites rocketed into orbit on a mission to create artificial solar eclipses. It’s the first mission to create artificial solar eclipses through high-precision formation flying in space. By Aerospace Writer Marcia Dunn. SENT: 560 words, photos.
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BUSINESS
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BOEING-JUSTICE DEPARTMENT — A federal judge rejected a deal that would have let Boeing plead guilty to a felony conspiracy charge and pay a fine for misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed, killing 346 people. SENT: 990 words, photo, audio.
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SPORTS
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PLAYOFF-MONEY MATTERS — There’s more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football ’s first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. By National Writer Eddie Pells. SENT: 600 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636 Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.
Demonstrators launch firecracker into the parliament's building during a rally to protest against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)
A crane lifts a container filled with seized weapons to be destroyed at a metallurgic plant in Nobsa, Colombia, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, listens to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, talks to Uruguay's former President Jose "Pepe" Mujica outside Mujica's home in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
A woman shouts slogans during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Law enforcement members watch as rescue workers continue to search, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, in Marguerite, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
An Israeli soldier gives instruction to a platoon in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)
Rishikis from Japan's Sumo Kyokai, Daisuke Kitanowaka, right, and Akira Fukutsuumi pose for a photo call outside of London's Royal Albert Hall in London, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 where the UK's second ever official basho will take place in October of next year. (AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
Athletic Bilbao's players celebrates with their fans after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)
Demonstrators use lasers against the police during a rally outside the parliament building to protests against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia, early Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov)
Members of the New York police crime scene unit pick up cups marking the spots where bullets lie as they investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
An Israeli soldier works on loading a tank onto a transport truck at an area near the Israeli-Lebanese border, as seen from northern Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Residents from the city of Metula, Israel's northernmost town return to check for damage in the local synagogue, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
The body 18-month-old Sham Shurrab is carried by her uncle for burial in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike at the Muwassi camp, outside the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Israeli airstrikes struck the camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
A doll lies among plastic debris and clothes in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike at the Muwassi camp near Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Israeli airstrikes struck the camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 177 yards and a touchdown, most of it going to best buddy Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 23-14 on Saturday to advance to the AFC championship game for the seventh consecutive season.
With girlfriend Taylor Swift watching alongside WNBA star Caitlin Clark from a suite, Kelce had seven catches for 117 yards and a score, helping the Chiefs (16-2) keep alive their dream of winning an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title.
The Chiefs are the fourth team in NFL history to follow back-to-back Lombardi Trophies by advancing to the conference title game, and the three previous lost. They will try to change that trend at Arrowhead Stadium next weekend against the Bills or Ravens, who play on Sunday in Buffalo for a shot at dethroning the defending champs.
Mahomes improved 16-3 in the playoffs, tying Joe Montana for the second-most wins in NFL history behind Tom Brady, and he is 7-0 in the divisional round. Mahomes also helped Andy Reid become the fourth NFL coach with 300 career wins.
Meanwhile, the Texans (11-8) still have never won in six divisional games. Twice they have lost to Kansas City.
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 245 yards but was sacked eight times. Joe Mixon, who had been questionable to play with an ankle injury, caught a couple of passes while running for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Texans kicker Kai’imi Fairbairn missed a 55-yard field goal attempt, an extra-point try and had another field goal attempt blocked with 1:46 left, which would have kept Houston's comeback hopes alive by making it a one-possession game.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., right, as Chiefs guard Joe Thuney (62) assists during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) runs with the ball past Houston Texans cornerback Myles Bryant (27) during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) fumbles as he is hit by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu, right, during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jaden Hicks (21) reacts to a missed field goal attempt by Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
A person is bundled up for the cold during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis defends during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu (90) during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) misses a field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball as Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (21) and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o (39) defend during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Travis Heying)