Texans coach Demeco Ryans was asked early in the week, long before anybody knew the severity of Patrick Mahomes’ high-ankle sprain, if he expected the Chiefs quarterback to play against them Saturday.

“The light shines on Patrick a lot,” Ryans replied, “but if you watch the Chiefs play, their defense is an outstanding unit. They do a really good job defensively. They’re going to find a way no matter who’s there.”

Sure looks like he’s going to be there.

Mahomes was able to practice this week after hurting his ankle late in last week’s victory over the Browns, and all signs point to him being on the field for an important matchup between the AFC South champion Texans and AFC West champion Chiefs.

The Chiefs (13-1) are clinging to the No. 1 seed in the AFC with games left against the Texans, Steelers and Broncos.

Much of the attention for both teams tends to land on their offenses. Yet it’s their defenses that have allowed the Chiefs and Texans to clinch playoff spots so early in the season.

The Texans (9-5) have the league’s fourth-ranked defense and are No. 6 against the pass, and a group on pace to set the franchise record for sacks in a season also is coming off a four-turnover performance in a win against the Dolphins. The Chiefs counter with the No. 5 overall defense, which just piled up five sacks and six turnovers in its victory over the Browns.

“I think every game (allows you) to learn where you match up against guys, and I thought, on film, they have a lot of great players,” Stroud said. “... They’ve been playing well together for a long time, and just add new pieces that fit their system well. ... I’m excited to match up against them.”

Steelers seek title: Twice in the last three seasons, Mike Tomlin and his Steelers came to Baltimore in the final week, beat the Ravens and sneaked into the playoffs.

The Steelers clinched a postseason berth much earlier this year, but their annual trip to Charm City is still a big deal. A win over the Ravens on Saturday would give the Steelers the AFC North title.

“It’s a road divisional game. It’s Baltimore. And I understand the nature of this rivalry and the amount of attention that it brings, and it’s exciting and humbling to be a part of it,” Tomlin said. “We’ve got an opportunity to pursue a division title this week, and so, man, we’re excited.”

Saturday’s pick

Texans at Chiefs (-3), 1 p.m. EST (NBC/Peacock): Mahomes plans to play with a mild high-ankle sprain as the Chiefs (13-1) push toward a No. 1 seed in the AFC. They’re coming off their first win by more than one score since Week 7. The Texans (9-5) have already clinched their second straight division title. CHIEFS 24-19