The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off a stunning 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri — a game that reshaped the AFC playoff picture just as the season entered its final stretch. Down by 11 points entering the fourth quarter, the Chiefs didn’t just claw back — they refused to lose. With Harrison Butker drilling his fifth field goal of the day — a 42-yarder in overtime — the Chiefs improved to 7-5, while the Colts slipped to 8-4 after their first loss in five weeks. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t efficient. But it was classic Chiefs: gritty, resilient, and utterly unpredictable.
How the Game Unfolded: A Slow Burn to Heartbreak
The Colts came out firing. Quarterback Anthony Richardson connected with Michael Pittman Jr. for a 38-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and Jonathan Taylor added a 12-yard run in the second to give Indianapolis a 14-9 lead at halftime. The defense held Patrick Mahomes to just 89 yards through three quarters — his lowest output in a full game since Week 4. But here’s the thing: Mahomes doesn’t need to be perfect to win. He just needs one drive.
That drive came with 8:17 left in the fourth. Down 20-9, the Chiefs marched 78 yards in 12 plays, capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce. Then came the two-point conversion — a trick play where Jaylen Watson threw a laser to Davey O’Brien Jr. — tying the game at 20. The crowd erupted. The Colts’ sideline fell silent. The momentum had shifted, and no one on the field could deny it.
Overtime was a chess match. Both teams traded punts. Then, with 2:14 left, the Chiefs got the ball back. No timeouts. No panic. Just Butker, the most reliable kicker in the league, lining up from 42 yards. The snap. The hold. The kick. True. Game over.
Why This Loss Hurts More Than It Looks
The Colts were 8-3. They led the AFC South. They had the league’s 10th-ranked offense and the 12th-ranked defense. They were on pace for a first-round bye. But now, with a 1-3 record in their last four road games, their path to home-field advantage just got steeper. The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) are breathing down their neck, and the Houston Texans (6-5) are suddenly looking like a dark horse.
For the Chiefs, this win was survival. They were 6-5. The Denver Broncos sat at 9-2. The Los Angeles Chargers were one game back. A loss here would’ve dropped Kansas City two games behind in the division — a death sentence in a conference where tiebreakers are decided by point differential.
Now? They’re alive. And with Mahomes showing flashes of his 2023 MVP form — 24-of-35 for 271 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT — the Chiefs aren’t just making the playoffs. They’re making a statement.
The Numbers That Tell the Real Story
- Butker’s five field goals tied the NFL record for most in a single game by a kicker.
- The Colts scored 20 points — their lowest output since Week 6 — despite gaining 412 total yards.
- Indianapolis went 0-for-3 on red zone trips in the second half.
- Mahomes had a 104.8 passer rating in the final 15 minutes, including overtime.
- The Chiefs are now 12-2 in games decided by 4 points or fewer since 2022.
It wasn’t about stats. It was about nerve. And the Chiefs have more of it than anyone.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Rekindled
Before Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts held a 14-9 edge in the all-time regular-season series against the Kansas City Chiefs, including wins in four of their last five meetings. That streak ended in dramatic fashion. The last time these teams met in Kansas City — in 2021 — the Colts won 31-25 in overtime on a last-second touchdown pass from Carson Wentz. This time? The script flipped. And the Chiefs didn’t just win — they reminded everyone why they’re the standard-bearers of the AFC.
How to Watch the Highlights — And What’s Next
For fans who missed it, the Kansas City Chiefs official website posted a full-game highlights video titled “Full Game Highlights from Week 12 | Chiefs vs. Colts,” capturing every critical moment — from Mahomes’ escape on 3rd-and-15 to Butker’s final kick. The game was televised nationally by CBS Sports and streamed live on Paramount+ (Essential and Premium plans). NFL+ offered mobile-only streaming with a 7-day free trial, a smart option for fans on the go.
Up next: The Colts host the Tennessee Titans (1-10) in a must-win game next Sunday. The Chiefs travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) in a game that could decide whether they’re a playoff team or a team just trying to avoid last place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Harrison Butker’s performance compare to other NFL kickers this season?
Butker’s five field goals tied the single-game NFL record, last matched by Justin Tucker in 2023. He’s now 28-for-29 on field goals this season, with a 96.6% success rate — the highest among kickers with 25+ attempts. His 58-yarder in the third quarter was the longest of his career and the longest of the 2025 NFL season.
What does this loss mean for the Colts’ playoff chances?
The Colts are still in control of the AFC South, but their path to a first-round bye just got tougher. With an 8-4 record, they’re now tied with the Chargers for the 5th seed. They need to win at least three of their final four games — including home matchups against the Titans and Jaguars — to guarantee a top-six finish. A loss to Tennessee next week could open the door for Jacksonville.
Why did the Chiefs struggle so much in the first three quarters?
The Colts’ defense, led by linebacker Shaquille Leonard, bottled up the Chiefs’ running game and forced Mahomes into quick throws. Kansas City’s offensive line allowed three sacks, and Travis Kelce was held to just three catches for 27 yards through three quarters. But once the game got tight, the Chiefs’ experience took over — something younger teams can’t replicate.
Can the Chiefs still catch the Broncos for the AFC West title?
Yes — but it’s unlikely. Denver leads by two games with five left to play. For Kansas City to overtake them, they’d need to win all five remaining games while Denver loses at least three. More realistically, the Chiefs are now focused on securing a wild-card spot. With seven wins, they’re firmly in the conversation, but they’ll need help from the Chargers and Raiders to climb higher.
Is this a sign that the Colts are overrated?
Not necessarily. They’ve beaten the Bills, Ravens, and Titans this season. But this loss exposed their biggest flaw: inconsistency in the red zone and an over-reliance on Jonathan Taylor. When Taylor was held to 68 yards on 22 carries, they had no Plan B. Mahomes has multiple options. The Colts, for now, still have one.
Where can I watch the full game replay?
The full game is available on NFL+ for mobile streaming, and on Paramount+ for all devices. The Chiefs’ official website also hosts a condensed 12-minute highlight package. For cable subscribers, CBS Sports Network will re-air the game on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
