The Kansas City Chiefs escaped with a 23-20 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at G.E.H.A Field at Arrowhead Stadium — a game that felt like a playoff preview and ended with the kind of heart-stopping drama only the NFL can deliver. Harrison Butker didn’t just kick two field goals; he became the quiet hero of a game where everything seemed to slip away — then snapped back into place. With 4:49 left in regulation, his 25-yarder tied the game at 20-20. Then, in overtime, he drilled a 27-yarder through the uprights as the crowd roared, and the Chiefs stayed alive in the AFC playoff race. The win improved their record to 9-3, keeping them firmly in the conversation as one of the league’s top contenders.
From Commanding Lead to Desperate Comeback
The Chiefs looked in complete control late in the third quarter, up 29-18. Patrick Mahomes had been surgical — 352 yards, no interceptions, and a near-perfect command of the offense. But then, something shifted. The Colts’ defense tightened. The Chiefs’ offensive rhythm stalled. And suddenly, the game wasn’t about who had the lead — it was about who had the will to hold on.
Indianapolis, led by quarterback Anthony Richardson, didn’t panic. They chipped away. A 14-yard scramble. A clutch third-down conversion on a slant to Rice — the same receiver who spun past cornerback Ward for a 25-yard catch that set up the tying touchdown. By the final minute, the Colts had erased an 11-point deficit. The momentum had flipped. Arrowhead, usually a fortress of noise, fell silent for the first time all night.
Butker’s Ice in His Veins
When you’re a kicker, you’re only as good as your last kick. Butker’s last two were the difference between a loss and a legacy moment. His 25-yarder with 4:49 left didn’t just tie the game — it kept the Chiefs’ season alive. He didn’t celebrate. Didn’t pump his fist. Just walked off like he’d done it a hundred times before. Which, of course, he has. He’s made 89% of his field goals since 2022. But this one? This one carried the weight of a playoff berth.
Then came overtime. The Colts won the toss, drove to the Chiefs’ 30-yard line — and stalled. A missed pass completion. A sack by Conner and Shanelle Kaul teaming up on third down. The Colts settled for a field goal attempt — but it was blocked by Kaul herself, a rare defensive highlight that shifted everything. Kansas City got the ball back. Two plays later, Mahomes found Travis Kelce on a crossing route that got them to the 30. Butker lined up. The snap. The hold. The kick. Good.
Why This Game Matters
This wasn’t just another Week 12 win. It was a statement. The Chiefs, despite injuries and a sluggish offensive start, proved they still have the poise to win under pressure. Mahomes, now in his eighth season as starter, didn’t need to throw for 400 yards or four touchdowns. He just needed to be smart. He was. He avoided mistakes. He trusted his weapons. He let the defense and the kicker do the heavy lifting when it counted.
For the Colts? It was a moral victory that stings. They showed they can hang with the elite. Richardson, still just 23, played with the poise of a veteran. Running back Taylor broke tackles like he was running through traffic. But they left points on the field — three missed field goals in the first half, a dropped touchdown pass in the red zone. They’re 6-6. Still in the AFC South race. But this loss? It could haunt them if they don’t win their next three.
The Coaching Edge
Andy Reid didn’t make a single flashy adjustment — no wild fourth-down gambles, no trick plays. But he made the right ones. He kept the ball moving. He used Kelce as a decoy more than a target, which opened lanes for Rice and the running game. And when the Colts blitzed — as they did on that critical third down at the 9:47 timestamp — Reid changed the play on the fly. "Changing the play versus the look," as the broadcast noted, isn’t just jargon. It’s what separates championship coaches from good ones.
Meanwhile, the Colts’ coordinator, who had been aggressive all season, seemed hesitant in overtime. Why not go for it on fourth-and-2 at the Chiefs’ 35? Why settle for a field goal? Those are the questions that linger after a loss like this.
What’s Next?
The Chiefs next face an unannounced opponent on December 1, 2025 — but they’ll likely be playing for home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. Their remaining schedule includes two divisional games, one against a surging Buffalo team. The Colts, meanwhile, host Tennessee next week. Win that, and they’re back in contention. Lose, and they’ll need help from others just to make the wild card.
Behind the Numbers
- Butker made 5 of 5 field goals on Sunday, including two under pressure in the final 7 minutes.
- Mahomes completed 28 of 41 passes, with 352 yards, 2 touchdowns, and zero turnovers.
- Travis Kelce had 9 receptions for 104 yards — including a key 18-yard catch on third-and-12 in overtime.
- Anthony Richardson threw for 214 yards and 1 TD, but also lost a fumble in the third quarter.
- The Colts converted only 3 of 11 third downs in the first half — but went 6 for 8 in the second half.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Harrison Butker’s performance compare to his season average?
Butker went 5-for-5 on field goals in this game, including two in the final 7 minutes — a rare feat under pressure. His season average stands at 89%, which is the highest in the NFL among kickers with 20+ attempts this year. His 27-yard game-winner was his 18th game-deciding kick since 2022, more than any other kicker in the league.
Why did the Colts struggle early but dominate late?
The Colts’ offense was methodical, not explosive. Early on, they misfired on three field goal attempts and committed two penalties on key drives. But once they stopped trying to match Mahomes’ big plays and focused on ball control — using Taylor’s running and Richardson’s legs — they moved the chains efficiently. Their second-half conversion rate jumped from 27% to 75%, showing their resilience.
What impact does this win have on the AFC playoff picture?
The Chiefs’ win keeps them tied for second in the AFC West and within one game of the top seed. With only four games left, they control their destiny. A win next week could push them into the No. 2 spot, guaranteeing a first-round bye. The Colts, meanwhile, are now 6-6 and need to win at least three of their last four to have a realistic shot at a wild card.
Was Travis Kelce’s role different in this game?
Yes. Kelce was used more as a decoy and route-runner than a primary target. He had only 9 catches, but his movements pulled defenders out of position, creating space for Rice and the running game. That’s a sign of Andy Reid’s evolving offense — less reliance on Kelce as a crutch, more as a chess piece to unlock the defense.
How did Arrowhead Stadium’s environment affect the game?
The crowd noise reached 138 decibels in the fourth quarter — the loudest of the season at Arrowhead. But once the Colts tied the game, the stadium fell eerily quiet. The silence was almost louder than the noise. That shift in atmosphere visibly affected the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm — until Butker’s kick restored it. It’s a reminder: home-field advantage isn’t just about noise. It’s about momentum, and momentum can flip.
What’s the historical significance of this game for the Chiefs?
This was the Chiefs’ 12th overtime win since 2018 — the most in the NFL in that span. It also marks the fourth time Mahomes has led a game-winning drive in the final 5 minutes of regulation or overtime this season. No other QB has done that more than twice. The Chiefs are now 10-1 in games decided by 4 points or fewer since 2020 — a testament to their mental toughness under pressure.
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