Justin Houston

Chiefs optimistic Justin Houston (knee) will be available for playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs are optimistic outside linebacker Justin Houston (knee) will be available for the playoffs, head coach Andy Reid told CBS Sports' Jamie Erdahl.

What It Means:

Houston has sat out the last two weeks after experiencing swelling in his surgically-repaired knee. It was always likely he would return for the playoffs, but the Chiefs would undoubtedly like to give him another week to rest over a bye. They will need the Oakland Raiders to lose to make that happen.

Coming into Week 17, the Chiefs' defense ranked fifth in schedule-adjusted Defensive Passing Net Expected Points per play.