In Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 27-19. This came just a few days before their Christmas Day win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Saturday, the NFL announced numerous punishments for players stemming from the Week 16 matchup, including Texans defensive end Derek Barnett.
The NFL has fined Barnett, the former Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher, $11,176 for a roughing the passer call at the 8:04 mark of the second quarter after a “blow to the head/neck” area of Mahomes.
Due to the penalty, the Chiefs were handed 15 yards, which moved them into Texans territory. Shortly after, running back Kareem Hunt found the end zone to give Kansas City a 14-10 lead.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
This wasn’t the only fine the NFL gave out for the week due to a roughing the passer. Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White was hit with a $16,883 fine for his illegal hit on Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
Barnett is having a solid 2024 season in his second year with Houston. In 15 games, the ex-West Virginia Mountaineer has tallied 24 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and a recovery.
Like the Chiefs, the Texans also played shortly after their Week 16 battle, losing to the Baltimore Ravens 31-2 on Christmas Day, their second-straight defeat. With one game remaining, Houston still holds control of the AFC South at 9-7. A win in the 2024 finale would get them into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Kansas City is sitting comfortably at 15-1 and has secured the top seed in the AFC and a playoff bye. With not much to play for in Week 18, the Chiefs could rest some key starters in the season finale against the Denver Broncos.
