When the Indianapolis Colts stepped onto GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025, they weren’t just playing for a win—they were fighting to stay atop the AFC South while the Kansas City Chiefs, at 5-5, were clinging to playoff hope by a thread. The game, tipped for 1 p.m. ET, carried the weight of a late-season thriller, even though it wasn’t on primetime. And the story wasn’t just about who played—it was about who didn’t, and how the rest adapted.
Colts’ Defense Still Standing—Even Without Buckner
The Indianapolis Colts entered the game with eight players listed on the injury report, but only three were officially inactive: veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle), and cornerback Johnathan Edwards. That’s fewer than expected. The real story? The defense was essentially intact. Charvarius Ward, despite being listed as ‘Questionable’ with a concussion, played. So did Tyquan Lewis (groin), who had been doubtful but practiced fully. And the secondary? A nightmare for quarterbacks.For the first time this season, the Colts fielded their ideal cornerback trio: Stephon Gilmore (referred to as ‘Gardner’ in some reports due to a trade), Charvarius Ward, and Kenny Moore II. That’s not a coincidence. With Edwards, the third-stringer, being the odd man out, the coaching staff made a clear statement: they trusted their top three to handle the Chiefs’ explosive receiving corps—Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, and Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown.
Chiefs’ Running Game Takes a Hit
For the Kansas City Chiefs, the absence of Isiah Pacheco (knee) was the only real blow. His 78 carries for 329 yards and one touchdown this season made him the engine of their ground attack. But Andy Reid’s offense has been here before. Enter Kareem Hunt, the reliable veteran who’s started every time Pacheco’s been out this year. Hunt isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient—238 yards and three touchdowns in his last three starts. And with Trey Smith (back) and Kingsley Suamataia (concussion) both practicing fully, the offensive line held steady.Even Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs’ speedster with an ankle issue, played. His presence forced the Colts’ secondary to stretch thin—a gamble that could pay off if Patrick Mahomes had time to throw. And he did. Mostly.
Why This Game Felt Bigger Than the Record
The Colts were 8-2. The Chiefs? 5-5. On paper, it looked like a mismatch. But here’s the twist: the Chiefs hadn’t lost any of their five defeats by more than seven points. Not one. They’ve been in every game. Every. Single. One. That’s not bad luck—it’s resilience. And it’s why this game had the tension of a playoff battle, even in mid-November.The Colts, meanwhile, had dropped two straight offensive performances—except for Jonathan Taylor’s MVP-caliber explosion in Week 10. But Taylor was quiet this game. And suddenly, the offense looked brittle. That’s when the defense had to carry them. And they did. For three quarters.
The Ripple Effect: What This Means for the Playoff Race
A win for the Colts would’ve put them two games up in the division with six left to play. A loss? Now they’re tied with the Texans, and the Titans are breathing down their neck. For the Chiefs? A loss dropped them to fifth in the AFC, likely out of the top-six seed race. And with the Bills, Ravens, and Steelers all surging, they can’t afford to drop games they’re supposed to win.Andy Reid’s team has shown they can win ugly. But they need to start winning by more than a field goal. The offensive line is healthy. Mahomes is sharp. The question isn’t talent—it’s consistency. And that’s something you can’t fake in December.
What’s Next? The Road to January
The Colts next face the Titans in Nashville—a tough road test with playoff implications. If they lose, the AFC South becomes a three-team dogfight. For the Chiefs, they host the Broncos in Week 13, then travel to Las Vegas for a showdown with the Raiders. Both are winnable. But they’re not gifts. Mahomes needs more help from his running game. And without Pacheco, that’s a problem.Meanwhile, the Colts’ defense—now fully intact—could be the difference maker down the stretch. If Gilmore, Ward, and Moore can lock down elite receivers for another three weeks, they’ll be playing in January. No matter who’s running the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Johnathan Edwards inactive despite being on the injury report?
Edwards was inactive not because of injury, but due to roster depth. With the Colts acquiring Stephon Gilmore and the return of Jaylon Jones, Edwards became the odd man out among their cornerbacks. His absence was a strategic decision, not a medical one—allowing the team to prioritize their top three: Gilmore, Ward, and Moore II.
How did Charvarius Ward play with a concussion listed on the injury report?
Ward was officially listed as ‘Questionable’ due to a concussion suffered in practice, but cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol in time for kickoff. He played 87% of defensive snaps, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and recorded three pass breakups. His participation underscores the league’s evolving approach to player health—clearance, not just symptoms, determines availability.
What does Isiah Pacheco’s absence mean for the Chiefs’ future?
Pacheco’s knee injury, if lingering, could force the Chiefs to rely on Kareem Hunt as their primary back through the playoffs. Hunt is effective but lacks Pacheco’s power between the tackles. If Pacheco misses even one more game, Kansas City may need to adjust their play-calling—more passes, fewer inside runs—potentially exposing Mahomes to more pressure.
Why is this game considered a turning point for both teams?
For the Colts, a win would’ve cemented their division lead and quieted concerns about offensive inconsistency. A loss means they’re now in a tighter race. For the Chiefs, losing a game they were expected to win dropped them out of playoff positioning. With five of their last six games against teams with winning records, every win now feels like a must.
Did the injury report accurately reflect who played?
The FOX Sports injury report listed eight Colts players as questionable, but only three were inactive. That’s common—teams often list players who are managing minor issues but clear the protocol. The Chiefs’ report was even more accurate: only Pacheco was truly out. The rest—Worthy, Suamataia, Smith—all practiced fully and played.
How does this game impact the AFC playoff picture?
The Colts’ loss dropped them to 8-3, tying them with Houston for the division lead. The Chiefs fell to 5-6, now behind five teams for the final playoff spot. With only six weeks left, every game matters more than ever. The team that wins the AFC South will likely host a wild-card game—so every point, every stop, every injury recovery could decide who plays in January.
