For the first time since the 1993 season, Kansas City Chiefs fans are celebrating a playoff win. They completely annihilated the Houston Texans 30-0 in the AFC Wild Card round. Ironically, their last win was against another Houston based team, the Houston Oilers.

The Chiefs are the hottest team in the league. Andy Reid's squad has now won 11 straight games, by far the most in the NFL. The Chiefs next game will be against the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round. Can the Chiefs keep this momentum going against Bill Belichick and the Patriots next week?

We all remember very well what happened the last time these two teams met. Last season the Chiefs completely embarrassed the Patriots at home, 41-14. Tom Brady was benched, the Patriots fell to 2-2, and the game was never even remotely close. This game obviously has a little bit different circumstances. The Chiefs won't be at home and it's not a regular season game.

On the other hand, the Chiefs are much healthier heading into this game. The Patriots have been devastated with injuries in the second half of the season, leading to four of their last six games. Julian Edelman will more than likely play, but we all know he won't be 100 percent. Although the Chiefs won't have Jamaal Charles, the Patriots have lost their top two running backs this season in Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount.

The big X factor in this game will be the health of one Jeremy Maclin. Maclin has been a stud receiver all year long opening up the deep ball for Alex Smith. Maclin has an ankle sprain, and his status for next game is questionable.

The Chiefs defense may be a perfect matchup for the Patriots. The Patriots offensive line looks different every week because of all the injuries to the front five. It's come to the point where Rob Gronkowski is playing more of a blocking role than pass catcher. The Chiefs defense ranked fourth overall in total sacks accumulated during the regular season. If the Chiefs are going to prevail to the AFC Championship game, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are going to have to play at the top of their game.

Travis Kelce is definitely making his case for the best tight end in the NFL. In addition to making huge catches, getting first downs and critical yards after the catch, Kelce has been a great blocker. You could very well make the case that Kelce is the best all around tight end in the league because of his versatility. Alex Smith may be a "game manager" to some, but he's the very best at what he does.

Safety Eric Berry has been one of the best stories of this NFL season. The 27-year-old safety was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma but has recovered beautifully this season and played well in all 17 games for the Chiefs. Berry had a key interception against the Texans in the AFC Wild card round.

The Chiefs and Patriots will play each other on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4:35 p.m. on CBS.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1