The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t just win on Sunday — they reminded everyone why they’ve ruled the AFC for nearly a decade. Trailing by 11 points in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs clawed back from the brink, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in overtime at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025. The hero? Harrison Butker, whose fifth field goal of the night — a 42-yarder at 3:17 of overtime — sealed the comeback and left the Colts stunned. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t easy. But it was classic Chiefs.
From Dominance to Collapse: The Colts’ Fourth Quarter Meltdown
The Indianapolis Colts looked like the team destined to dethrone Kansas City. After a dominant first half — capped by a 14-9 lead — they stretched their advantage to 20-9 by the end of the third quarter. Jonathan Taylor, fresh off a 244-yard, three-touchdown masterpiece in Berlin against Atlanta, was supposed to be the engine. But in the fourth quarter, the Colts’ offense vanished. Three consecutive possessions ended in punts. A critical holding penalty killed a potential scoring drive. And then, with 8:42 left, the dam broke.Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, playing through a sore ankle, connected with Jaleel McLaughlin on a 4-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 20-16. Then, after a defensive stop, Harrison Butker nailed a 48-yard field goal with 2:18 remaining. Tie game. The crowd erupted. The Colts’ sideline went silent. It was the kind of moment that makes you wonder: Are we watching the end of an era… or the beginning of another?
Butker’s Masterclass: Five Kicks, One Legacy
Five field goals in a single game. That’s not just clutch — it’s historic. Harrison Butker entered Sunday 18-for-19 on field goals this season. He left with a career-high five makes: 34, 42, 48, 45, and finally, the dagger in overtime. He didn’t just win the game — he carried it. While Mahomes and the offense sputtered early, Butker kept the Chiefs alive. He was their offense when the rest of the team couldn’t find rhythm.And here’s the kicker — pun intended — no punter in NFL history has made five field goals in a game against a team that entered with an 8-2 record. Butker’s consistency under pressure has become the quiet backbone of this franchise. Even when the passing game stalls, you can still bank on him. That’s the kind of reliability that wins championships.
Playoff Implications: A Shift in the AFC Landscape
Before this game, the Indianapolis Colts were tied for the best record in the AFC at 8-2. They’d beaten Atlanta in overtime in Berlin — yes, Berlin — and looked like the team to beat. Now, at 8-3, they’re still atop the AFC South, but their margin for error has vanished. With five games left, every loss matters. And this one? It stings.Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs improved to 6-5. They’re not in the driver’s seat — not yet. But they’re alive. Denver leads the AFC West at 9-2. Los Angeles is at 7-4. Kansas City is now just two games back. Win out, and they’re in. Lose one, and they’re fighting for a wild card. This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. The Chiefs are still here. And they’re not going quietly.
What Went Wrong for the Colts?
The stats don’t lie: Indianapolis outgained Kansas City 387 to 312. They ran the ball effectively. They controlled time of possession. But they couldn’t close. Three red zone trips in the second half yielded only one touchdown. Their offensive line gave up four sacks. And when it mattered most — down 20-19 with 2:18 left — they couldn’t move the ball. Quarterback Anthony Richardson looked rattled, throwing two picks in the fourth quarter. One was a desperation heave that ended the game’s final chance.Defensively, they held Mahomes to 174 yards through three quarters. Then, in the final 20 minutes, they collapsed. No adjustments. No urgency. It’s the same pattern we’ve seen before: great regular-season teams that can’t finish.
What’s Next?
The Indianapolis Colts face the Los Angeles Chargers next week — a team they’ve beaten twice in the last three seasons. A loss there would make their playoff path a mountain. The Kansas City Chiefs host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night. A win would put them within striking distance of the division lead.One thing’s clear: The AFC is wide open. But the Chiefs? They’re still the team that finds a way. Even when they’re not at their best. Even when the odds are stacked. Even when they’re down 11 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Harrison Butker’s performance compare to other NFL kickers this season?
Harrison Butker’s five field goals in this game tied for the most in a single game this NFL season and marked his 19th consecutive field goal made — the longest active streak in the league. Only three kickers have attempted more than 20 field goals this year without missing, and Butker leads all of them in clutch accuracy under pressure, converting 95% of attempts from 40+ yards.
Why was this game called a "put up or shut up" matchup?
Analysts used that phrase because the Colts were seen as the first team with the talent and momentum to challenge the Chiefs’ AFC dominance since 2017. With Kansas City at 5-5 and Indianapolis at 8-2, this was the moment the Colts had to prove they belonged at the top. Losing in OT didn’t just cost them a win — it cast doubt on whether they’re truly ready to take the throne.
What impact does this loss have on the Colts’ playoff seeding?
At 8-3, the Colts still lead the AFC South, but their tiebreaker position is now vulnerable. With only five games left, they can’t afford another loss if they want home-field advantage. Their remaining schedule includes tough road games against LA and Buffalo. A 9-7 finish might not be enough if the Chiefs or Chargers catch fire.
Did the Chiefs’ offensive struggles mean Mahomes is declining?
No — Mahomes was limited by injuries and a shaky offensive line, not decline. He threw for 174 yards and no touchdowns, but his decision-making was sharp. He avoided turnovers and made key throws when needed. The Chiefs’ offense is evolving, relying more on Butker and the run game. That’s not a sign of weakness — it’s adaptation.
Why did the game take place in Kansas City despite the Colts’ prior game in Berlin?
The Colts’ game in Berlin was part of the NFL’s International Series, a regular-season game held overseas to grow the sport globally. That game was scheduled for Week 11. The Chiefs-Colts matchup was a standard home game for Kansas City in Week 12, played at Arrowhead as per the NFL schedule. International games don’t affect home/away designations for domestic matchups.
What’s the significance of the Chiefs improving to 5-1 at home?
Home-field advantage is critical in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs have won 11 straight home games against AFC opponents — a streak dating to 2023. A 5-1 home record this season puts them in strong position to host a playoff game. If they finish 10-7 or better, they’ll likely get a first-round bye — something they haven’t had since 2022.
