On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs face the Houston Texans. We welcome Scott Barzilla of Battle Red Blog — our sister SBNation site covering the Texans — for Five Questions with the Enemy.

1) The Texans are 9-5 and a division winner. Is their year locally seen as a success, or have they underwhelmed from lofty preseason expectations?

I’d say through 14 games they have been underwhelming — but not by a huge amount. Most people pegged them at around 11-6 which is obviously still possible, but not likely given the brutal closing schedule. However, watching this team week-to-week feels more underwhelming. Like the Chiefs, they play a lot of close games that they shouldn’t and the celebrated offense that was supposed to be there has not been.

2) How has the Houston defense responded to the absence of versatile safety Jalen Pitre?

Jimmie Ward has taken his position and done so seamlessly. Unfortunately that leaves a back end of Calen Bullock (5 interceptions) and Eric Murray. Murray is hit and miss, unfortunately — and that can be tough with a tight end like Travis Kelce over the middle.

3) Who is an underappreciated Texan on offense you could see playing a major role Saturday?

Everyone knows about Tank Dell, but he has not been a featured part of the offense this year. Dell and Dalton Schultz have been underperforming. At least one will need to come up big on Saturday for the Texans to have a shot to win.

4) What adjustments have you seen defenses make against C.J. Stroud — and how has the second-year pro responded?

The Texans are 32nd in pressures allowed and blown run blocks. Not only are they last but they are a distant last. Given that I’m not sure how much of his struggles have been him and how much belong to the line. It’s certainly both but it will likely take an offseason to unpack it all. I imagine that Chris Jones will have his best day of the season on Saturday. Stroud has some mobility but he isn’t near elite in that category so he has been susceptible to pressure up the middle.

5) The line has moved multiple times based on Patrick Mahomes’ perceived status. How do you see this one playing out?

I hate gambling in December and January. I wouldn’t touch this game with a 39-and-a-half-foot pole. Both teams are likely locked into their playoff seeds, so neither has incentive to win at all costs. Therefore, it is impossible to know who rests and for how long. If Mahomes plays, the Chiefs win — and likely easily. If he doesn’t, it’s a pick ‘em game, so I’d still lean Chiefs since they are at home.

Be sure to check out the answers I gave to their questions by clicking here.