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The Texans open the 2015 season at home, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at noon CT. The game features two of the National Football League's best defenses, and using video game Madden 16, we break down what could be the key matchup of the contest.
The battle of the trenches will take center stage on Sunday, as the Texans will try to slow down the Chiefs vaunted pass rush. Madden team ratings show Kansas City with a small overall advantage over the Texans, with an 82 ranking compared to Houston's 79.
! According to Madden's player ratings (0-100), the Texans offensive line checks in at an 83 mark overall (82.6 to be exact). Pro Bowler Duane Brown leads the way in individual rankings, with the veteran listed as a 90 overall on the game. Brown is the Texans fourth highest ranked player in Madden, trailing only J.J. Watt (99), Vince Wilfork (91) and Arian Foster (91). Guard Brandon Brooks and tackle Derek Newton also tally high marks, both registering 87 on the Madden scale.
Kansas City's front seven is fierce both on the game and in real life. The Chiefs were seventh in the NFL in yards per game last year and only allowed a 37% conversion rate on third down. Kansas City outside linebacker Justin Houston had a league-high 22 sacks, while the team registered 46 on the season, another top five mark.
That talent is reflected highly in Madden 16, as the Chiefs front seven averages an 86 mark. Individually, Houston is a 97 overall, which puts him tied with Denver's Von Miller as the top overall rated outside linebacker in the entire game. You can see the top five below.
- Von Miller (Denver), 97
- Justin Houston (KC), 97
- Terrell Suggs (BAL), 93
- Dont'a Hightower (NE), 93
- Deandre Levy (DET), 93
