Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith is trying to ignore the weight of history on his shoulders as the Chiefs look to end their own playoff hell.

Like Cincinnati in Saturday’s other wildcard match-up, the Chiefs have an unenviable record, having gone 22 years without a postseason win. Smith, who claimed this week not to know of the run, doesn’t think it will play a part as they meet the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium (kick-off: 01:20).

It was Houston (under the Oilers franchise) who were Kansas City’s last post-season conquest.

“I don’t think this team’s carrying that weight,” said Smith. “Those were the other 22 years and 22 teams. This is us… we’re just trying to go out and win a ballgame.”

Kansas City have been the NFL’s comeback kings this season recovering from a 1-5 start to post 10 consecutive victories. Key to their revival have been a defensive line that has allowed just 12.8 points per game.

But Houston have their own formidable defensive line in JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing.

Smith said: “If we play the way we know we can play, we can play with anybody, beat anybody.”

Of Watt, who led the league in sacks this season with 17.5, he added: “Every game he plays in he makes plays. He’s disruptive and they are as a whole. It’s definitely a big challenge for us.”