Colts vs Chiefs
Introduction
Two AFC franchises. Three decades of hostility. One rivalry that refuses to fade. When the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs step onto the same field, records go out the window. The Colts own the history books. The Chiefs own the recent hardware. Something has to give every single time they meet. On November 23, 2025, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the latest chapter — a 23-20 overtime gut punch that flipped both teams’ trajectories.
With the 2026 schedule already circling their next clash, now is the moment to break down every angle of this underrated AFC feud. This guide delivers a complete Colts vs Chiefs breakdown: rivalry roots, game-by-game history, a full 2025 recap, key player matchups, and what lies ahead.
All-Time History of Colts vs Chiefs
The Indianapolis Colts hold a commanding 18-11 advantage across 29 all-time meetings, a series that stretches back to 1970 when the franchise still called Baltimore home. In regular season play, the Colts lead 14-10. Where the gap widens most is January football — Indianapolis boasts a 4-1 playoff record against Kansas City, a mark that has haunted Chiefs fans for years.
Three playoff games define this rivalry:
- 1996 Divisional Round: A 10-7 Colts win in frigid Arrowhead conditions. The Colts defense suffocated the Chiefs all afternoon.
- 2004 Divisional Round: Peyton Manning outdueled Trent Green in a 38-31 shootout that cemented Indianapolis’ postseason edge.
- 2014 Wild Card: The 45-44 comeback. Andrew Luck rallied the Colts from a 28-point second-half hole, stealing a game Kansas City seemed certain to win.
The Chiefs finally broke their playoff curse against Indianapolis in the 2018 Divisional Round, winning 31-13 behind Patrick Mahomes’ first postseason start. That victory shifted the rivalry’s momentum toward the present era.
Colts vs Chiefs: All-Time Series at a Glance
| Category | Indianapolis Colts | Kansas City Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 29 | 29 |
| Series Lead | 18 wins | 11 wins |
| Regular Season Record | 14-10 | 10-14 |
| Postseason Record | 4-1 | 1-4 |
| Points Scored (All Games) | 622 | 600 |
| Largest Margin of Victory | 23-7 (2013) | 31-13 (2018 Playoffs) |
| Longest Winning Streak | 7 games (1990–2004) | 3 games |
| Most Recent Meeting | Nov 23, 2025 (KC 23, IND 20 OT) | Nov 23, 2025 |
Data sourced from Pro-Football-Reference and The Football Database.
Last 5 Meetings: Recent Colts vs Chiefs Results
| Date | Location | Result | Colts QB | Chiefs QB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2022 | Indianapolis | Colts 20, Chiefs 17 | Matt Ryan | Patrick Mahomes |
| Oct 6, 2019 | Kansas City | Colts 19, Chiefs 13 | Jacoby Brissett | Patrick Mahomes |
| Jan 12, 2019 | Kansas City | Chiefs 31, Colts 13 (Playoffs) | Andrew Luck | Patrick Mahomes |
| Oct 30, 2016 | Indianapolis | Chiefs 30, Colts 14 | Andrew Luck | Alex Smith |
| Nov 23, 2025 | Kansas City | Chiefs 23, Colts 20 (OT) | Daniel Jones | Patrick Mahomes |
The Colts own three of the last five regular season meetings. Mahomes has yet to beat Indianapolis in a regular season game — both of his career wins over the Colts came in the postseason.
2025 Season Context for Both Teams
Indianapolis Colts (8-2 entering Week 12)
The Colts stormed into Arrowhead as one of the AFC’s biggest surprises. Daniel Jones, written off by many after his Giants tenure, engineered a career revival under Shane Steichen. Jonathan Taylor put together an MVP-caliber campaign, piling up 1,139 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns through ten games. The defense, missing DeForest Buckner to injured reserve, held together with a rotation of Grover Stewart, Raekwon Davis, and Taven Bryan.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-5 entering Week 12)
The Chiefs limped into the matchup on a two-game losing streak. The defending AFC champions sat at .500, battling inconsistency on both sides of the ball. Mahomes posted solid numbers — 3,587 passing yards with 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions on the season — but the offensive rhythm that defined previous years simply wasn’t there. Running back Isiah Pacheco missed the game with a knee injury, while receiver Xavier Worthy played through an ankle issue.
Colts vs Chiefs: Week 12 2025 Game Recap
Final Score: Chiefs 23, Colts 20 (Overtime)
Arrowhead witnessed a heavyweight fight that swung wildly between utter dominance and sheer survival. The Chiefs controlled the stat sheet in almost every category — yet needed a frantic fourth-quarter rally and a Harrison Butker field goal as time expired just to force overtime.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Mahomes threw an early interception that gifted the Colts prime field position. Daniel Jones capitalized immediately, finding Michael Pittman Jr. for a 6-yard touchdown. Colts 7, Chiefs 0.
Second Quarter: Kansas City chipped away with three Harrison Butker field goals (28, 48, and 22 yards). But Jones struck again, hitting Drew Ogletree for a 4-yard score. At halftime: Colts 14, Chiefs 9.
Third Quarter: The Colts offense leaned on Michael Badgley’s leg, adding two field goals from 32 and 23 yards. The Chiefs offense vanished — back-to-back three-and-outs left Arrowhead silent. Colts 20, Chiefs 9 entering the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: Kareem Hunt plowed into the end zone from 2 yards out. Mahomes found Rashee Rice for the two-point conversion. Suddenly, 20-17. After the Colts’ offense stalled for the fourth consecutive possession, Mahomes engineered an 87-yard march in the final minutes. Butker drilled a 25-yard field goal with three seconds remaining. Tie game, 20-20.
Overtime: Indianapolis won the toss but went three-and-out. Mahomes took over, guiding a 14-play, 86-yard drive that drained the clock. Butker’s fifth field goal — a 27-yarder — sealed the win. Chiefs 23, Colts 20.
Complete Match Stats Table: Colts vs Chiefs (Nov 23, 2025)
| Statistical Category | Indianapolis Colts | Kansas City Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 20 | 23 |
| Total Yards | 255 | 494 |
| Passing Yards | 181 | 346 |
| Rushing Yards | 74 | 148 |
| First Downs | 10 | 33 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 3-for-12 (25%) | 8-for-20 (40%) |
| Total Plays | 50 | 91 |
| Time of Possession | 25:28 | 42:35 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Penalties | 11 for 83 yards | 8 for 69 yards |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2-for-3 (67%) | 1-for-6 (17%) |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 | 3 |
| Punts | 6 | 3 |
| Attendance | 73,611 | — |
| Weather | 46°F, outdoors | — |
Data compiled from Pro-Football-Reference and The Athletic box scores.
Key Player Performances
Daniel Jones (Colts QB)
Jones completed 19 of 31 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He spread targets to eight different receivers — Tyler Warren and Michael Pittman Jr. each caught five passes. Efficient but not explosive, Jones managed the game well until the offense collapsed in the fourth quarter.
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs QB)
Mahomes finished 29 of 46 for 352 yards with one interception and zero passing touchdowns. His raw yardage looked strong, but the red zone failures — 1-for-6 — nearly cost Kansas City the game. When the moment demanded greatness, he delivered two extended drives that rescued the season.
Jonathan Taylor (Colts RB)
The NFL’s leading rusher managed just 58 yards on 16 carries (3.6 yards per attempt) and never found the end zone. Kansas City’s defensive front, coordinated by Steve Spagnuolo, stacked the box and dared Jones to beat them through the air.
Kareem Hunt (Chiefs RB)
With Pacheco sidelined, Hunt carried the load: 30 rushes for 104 yards and the crucial fourth-quarter touchdown. His physical running style wore down the Colts front in the second half.
Rashee Rice (Chiefs WR)
Rice hauled in 8 receptions for 141 yards, including a 47-yard bomb that set up the game-tying drive. He also caught the two-point conversion that trimmed the deficit to three.
Why the Colts vs Chiefs Rivalry Matters
This series carries more weight than most non-divisional matchups. Three factors elevate it:
- Playoff History: Four of the five postseason meetings produced defining moments — the 1996 defensive slugfest, the 2004 Manning masterpiece, the 2014 Luck miracle, and the 2018 Mahomes arrival. Few rivalries pack that much January drama.
- Contrasting Styles: The Colts built their identity on offensive line play and a power running game behind Taylor. The Chiefs rely on Mahomes’ improvisational brilliance and Andy Reid’s creative play-calling. Philosophy clashes make for unpredictable football.
- AFC Hierarchy Implications: Both franchises expect to contend for conference supremacy. When they meet, the result often shapes the playoff picture. The 2025 meeting kept Kansas City alive while planting seeds of doubt in Indianapolis’ breakout season.
Betting Trends and Odds Snapshot
For the Week 12 2025 matchup, oddsmakers installed Kansas City as 3.5-point home favorites with a total set at 49.5 points — a number reflecting expectations of offensive fireworks. The Chiefs moneyline sat at -188, while the Colts offered +156 value. Public betting leaned heavily toward Kansas City; 70% of moneyline wagers backed the Chiefs.
The under hit comfortably, with the combined 43 points staying well below the 49.5 threshold. Kansas City covered the spread only once in their previous five home games against Indianapolis, a trend that held as the Colts covered the +3.5 number in this meeting.
Defensive Standouts and Scheme Notes
Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive game plan neutralized Taylor through aggressive box-stacking and gap discipline. Linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill combined for 18 tackles, flowing to the ball and limiting cutback lanes. The secondary bent without breaking — Rashee Rice exploited soft spots underneath, but the Colts red zone defense stiffened repeatedly.
On the Indianapolis side, coordinator Gus Bradley deployed a bend-don’t-break philosophy that nearly stole the game. The Colts forced two turnovers and held Kansas City to field goals on four red zone trips. The final two drives exposed fatigue — 91 Chiefs offensive plays will do that to any defense.
2026 Season Outlook and Next Colts vs Chiefs Meeting
Indianapolis Colts 2026 Projection
The Colts missed the playoffs at 8-9 in 2025 despite their hot start, a collapse that stung the organization. Looking ahead to 2026, the schedule presents opportunity — Indianapolis carries the eighth-easiest strength of schedule by opponent win percentage (.464). Daniel Jones returns under center with reinforcements. The offensive line, anchored by Quenton Nelson, remains a strength. Taylor enters his age-27 season still in his prime. An AFC South title remains within reach if the late-2025 offensive stagnation gets solved.
Kansas City Chiefs 2026 Projection
Kansas City finished 6-11 in 2025, a stunning fall for a team two years removed from a Super Bowl victory. The 2026 Chiefs face a nine-road-game schedule, including West Coast trips to both Los Angeles stadiums, Seattle, and Arizona. Mahomes’ supporting cast needs retooling after injuries decimated the 2025 roster. The 2026 NFL Draft offered premium picks for reloading. Expect Andy Reid to overhaul the offensive approach with new personnel around his franchise quarterback.
When Do They Play in 2026?
Both teams finished third in their respective divisions in 2025, matching them as same-place finishers on the 2026 schedule. The date and venue will be announced during the NFL’s full schedule release in mid-May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who leads the Colts vs Chiefs all-time series?
The Indianapolis Colts lead the all-time series 18-11 across 29 total meetings, including a 4-1 advantage in playoff games. The regular season record sits at 14-10 in favor of the Colts.
2. Has Patrick Mahomes ever beaten the Colts in the regular season?
No. Patrick Mahomes has never defeated the Indianapolis Colts in a regular season game. Both of his career wins against Indianapolis came in the postseason — the 2018 Divisional Round. The Colts won the two regular season matchups during his tenure (2019 and 2022).
3. What happened in the Colts vs Chiefs 2014 Wild Card game?
The Colts pulled off a historic 45-44 comeback after trailing by 28 points in the third quarter. Andrew Luck threw four touchdown passes and recovered a fumble for another score. It ranks as one of the largest playoff comebacks in NFL history and remains the most painful loss in Chiefs playoff lore.
4. What was the final score of the 2025 Colts vs Chiefs overtime game?
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in overtime on November 23, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium. Harrison Butker kicked five field goals, including the game-winner from 27 yards out in overtime.
5. How did Jonathan Taylor perform against the Chiefs in 2025?
Jonathan Taylor recorded 16 carries for 58 rushing yards and zero touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. The Chiefs defense held him to his second-lowest rushing output of the 2025 season, well below his 113.9 yards-per-game average entering the contest.
6. When do the Colts and Chiefs play each other next?
The Colts and Chiefs play each other during the 2026 NFL regular season. As third-place finishers in the AFC South and AFC West respectively, they are matched as same-place opponents on the league’s scheduling rotation. Exact date and location will be confirmed when the NFL releases the full 2026 schedule in May 2026.
Take Action Before the Next Kickoff
The Colts vs Chiefs rivalry delivers every time these teams collide — last-second field goals, playoff heartbreak, and star power on both sidelines. Bookmark this guide and revisit it when the 2026 schedule drops. Share it with your game-day crew. Debate the all-time ranking. Pick your side. But do not miss the next chapter. Two proud franchises. One football. And a history that grows richer with every snap.
Sources Referenced:
- Pro-Football-Reference — All Matchups, Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Series record and historical data)
- The Football Database — Colts vs. Chiefs Results (Head-to-head game log and series summary)
- The Athletic — Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs Box Score, November 23, 2025 (Game statistics and scoring summary)
- Sports Illustrated — How Chiefs’ Thrilling Overtime Victory Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive (Game recap and quarter-by-quarter breakdown)
- Colts Wire / USA Today — 4 Things Learned from Colts’ Week 12 Performance vs. Chiefs (Post-game analysis and player performance)
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