John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to improve to 7-0 when they take on the Houston Texans on Sunday. One area the team must focus on is protecting quarterback Alex Smith if they want to be victorious.

J.J. Watt is one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. His sack numbers are not exactly where the Texans would like it to be, but nonetheless, he has been disruptive on defense this season. What the Chiefs have to be really worried about is that Watt is capable of having a breakout game at any point.

Related: Seattle Seahawks Fans Looking to Outdo Kansas City Chiefs Fans Again

“They have a lot of good players on defense, a lot of good players; he’s certainly one of them,” Smith said in reference to Watt, according to KCChiefs.com. “He’s the reigning defensive MVP, player of the year or whatever, an elite player up-front, he is. They have a lot of them. They have a lot of good players, across the board, but I think it starts with those guys up-front; they do a great job of playing run and the pass and especially him. I think most guys get credit for sacks, but you see him do a great job against the run. They create pressure in the pocket, there’s a reason statistically why they’ve been doing so well.”

Kansas City has done a decent job of protecting Smith this season as they have allowed just 16 sacks and 33 quarterback hits. Considering Houston has only recorded 14 sacks this season there really is not too much to worry about on paper. However, Watt, Whitney Mercilus, Brian Cushing, Brooks Reed and Antonio Smith are all capable of getting after Smith consistently.

There is no question that the Texans’ defense could be what forces the Chiefs to fight for their lives in order to secure their seventh win of the season. Protecting Smith must be at the top of the team’s priority list when they host Houston in Week 7.