Chiefs report card: KC gets extra credit for overtime triumph against Indy
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs ended two-game skid with 23-20 overtime win; Butker hit 27-yard winner.
- Mahomes passed for 352 yards; Rice produced 147 yards and key fourth-down catch.
- Defense forced short rushing day for Jonathan Taylor; pass rush failed to sack.
The Chiefs ended their two game-losing streak with a 23-20 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts in overtime at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
Placekicker Harrison Butker booted the game-winner from 27 yards after the Chiefs held the Colts without a first down on the first possession of the extra period. The Chiefs improved to 6-5.
Next: The Chiefs play at the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on CBS (Channel 5 in Kansas City).
KC STAR OF THE GAME
Rashee Rice came up with a pair of huge receptions in the second half — one for 47 yards to pull the Chiefs from the shadow of the end zone, and one for 19 on a fourth-and-3 from the 44.
On the latter catch he actually tipped the pass to himself, then brought it in to keep alive the game-tying drive.
Rice had 10 receiving yards at halftime and finished with 147.
REPORT CARD
Passing offense: B
This grade improved from a “D” based on the fourth quarter. Clutch throws from Patrick Mahomes and catches not only by Rice but Hollywood Brown, Noah Gray and others, paved the way for the comeback victory.
The tipped interception thrown by Mahomes on the Chiefs’ second play before the Colts’ short-field touchdown set the game’s tone. The Chiefs chased the game from there until the end of regulation.
Stop us if you heard this before: On the Chiefs’ first trip to the red zone, they were called for a penalty. It happened three times in last week’s loss at the Denver Broncos.
This time, right tackle Jawaan Taylor was flagged for a facemask that seemed less like a facemask and more like a hold. Either way, the Chiefs had to settle for a field goal. Mahomes finished with 352 passing yards.
Rushing offense: B
Kareem Hunt delivered his most productive performance of the season and logged a rushing touchdown for the fourth straight game. He did lose a fumble in the red zone. But that only cost the Chiefs a few minutes, as the defense held and forced a punt.
Hunt’s 2-yard touchdown run followed that stop. He finished with 104 yards on 30 carries. The Chiefs had been the only NFL team not to lose a fumble this season until Hunt’s miscue.
Passing defense: C
Play-action hurt the Chiefs throughout the game, and Indy’s biggest gain, Daniel Jones to Ashton Dulin, went for 48 yards to set up the Colts’ second touchdown.
Jones didn’t drop back often, but the Chiefs didn’t get much pressure when he did — and didn’t record a sack. The Chiefs also didn’t force a turnover for the third straight game.
In the second half, however, the pass defense excelled and helped the Chiefs close down the Colts offense.
Rushing defense: A
The Chiefs did the job on NFL rushing leader Jonathan Taylor. He had 22 yards on seven carries at the break.
He got away for a 27-yard gain in the third quarter. But he finished with just 58 yards on 16 attempts, and on his last carry he was dropped for a 2-yard loss by KC linebacker Drue Tranquill. That forced a Colts punt in overtime.
Special teams: B
Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker seems to have regained his accuracy. He made five field goals in five tries Sunday, the longest from 48 yards and the game-winner from 27.
But the Colts got the better of the Chiefs in the return game. A week after surrendering a 70-yard punt return to the Broncos, Kansas City gave up a 41 yards on a pair of punt returns to open the second half.
This story was originally published November 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM.