Chiefs Survive Colts in OT Thriller, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Butker's Clutch Kick
Nov, 29 2025
When Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Joseph Butker drilled a 27-yard field goal in overtime on Sunday, November 23, 2025, it wasn’t just a win—it was a lifeline. The Chiefs escaped GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium with a 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, improving to 5-5 on the season and keeping their slim playoff hopes flickering. The win, their first by one score this year, came after an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback, a gritty performance that felt more like survival than dominance. Butker, who made five field goals total—including the game-tying 25-yarder with 18 seconds left—became the quiet hero of a night that could define their season.
How the Chiefs Clawed Back From 11 Down
The Indianapolis Colts looked poised to coast to their ninth win, leading 20-9 midway through the fourth quarter. But Kansas City’s offense, led by backup quarterback Chase Daniel (filling in for an injured Patrick Mahomes), found rhythm when it mattered most. A 42-yard bomb to wide receiver Rice set up a Butker 31-yard field goal. Then, after a defensive stop, a 14-play, 78-yard drive chewed up nearly eight minutes and ended with another Butker boot—this one from 25 yards—to force overtime. The crowd, once quiet, erupted like it was a playoff game. "27 YARDS FOR BUTKER. 27 YARDS TO WIN IT. AND THAT KICK IS GOOD. KANSAS CITY SURVIVES AND THEY ARE STILL IN THE MIX IN THE AFC," said analyst Jim on the broadcast. Tony, his co-host, simply replied: "STILL HERE."
Injury Woes on Both Sides
The game was played under a cloud of absences. The Chiefs were without starting running back Isiah Pacheco (knee, MCL), out until November 27, and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (ACL, out for season). Their offensive line was ragged, and Kingsley Suamataia (concussion) and Xavier Worthy (ankle) were questionable. Meanwhile, the Colts were decimated: starting QB Anthony Richardson Sr. (orbital fracture) was sidelined, as was Pro Bowl DT DeForest Buckner (neck) and kicker Spencer Shrader (ACL/MCL tear, out until after Super Bowl LX). The Colts’ offense sputtered in the red zone, missing two field goals earlier in the game—a luxury they couldn’t afford with their kicker on IR.
Andy Reid’s Final Five: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Head coach Andy Reid, 67, now faces his toughest test since 2017. With five games left—against the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks—the Chiefs need to win at least four to reach 9-7, a record that has made the playoffs in six of the last eight AFC seasons. A 10-7 finish is possible, but unlikely given their injury list and the strength of the AFC West. The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are pulling away. The Cincinnati Bengals are surging. Kansas City isn’t just playing for wins—they’re playing for seeding, for relevance, for legacy.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Record
It’s not just about the numbers. The Chiefs had won their first four games by double digits—17, 21, 24, and 19 points. They hadn’t been tested. This was the first time they were forced to dig deep, to rely on their kicker, their defense, their grit. The Colts themselves admitted it: "We feel close but not there yet," their official site reported after the loss. The Chiefs, meanwhile, now know they can win ugly. That’s a dangerous realization for a team with a Hall of Fame coach and a roster full of veterans who’ve been here before.
What’s Next? The Road to Super Bowl LX
Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. But first, the Chiefs must survive five more games. Their schedule doesn’t get easier. The Chargers and Broncos are playoff-caliber. The Patriots, even in rebuild mode, always rise against Kansas City. And the Seahawks? They’re playing with house money and nothing to lose. If Harrison Butker keeps making kicks, if the defense holds up, if a healthy Mahomes returns before Week 16, this team might still surprise. But they’ve run out of margin for error.
Historical Context: The 9-7 Threshold
Since the NFL expanded to 17 games in 2021, teams with 9-7 or better records have made the playoffs 82% of the time in the AFC. Only twice in the last five seasons has a 9-7 team missed out—and both times, it was because three or more teams finished 10-7 or better. The Chiefs aren’t just chasing a record. They’re chasing a statistical edge. With the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns also in the mix, every win matters. One slip-up, and the door slams shut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Chiefs’ playoff chances?
The win keeps Kansas City mathematically alive for one of the AFC’s seven playoff spots. To reach a 9-7 record, they need to win four of their final five games. Historically, 9-7 teams have made the playoffs in 82% of cases since 2021, but only if fewer than three other teams finish with 10+ wins. With the Bills and Ravens ahead, the Chiefs must win tough road games to leapfrog contenders.
Why is Harrison Butker so critical right now?
With Mahomes sidelined and the offense struggling in the red zone, Butker has become the Chiefs’ most reliable weapon. He’s made 18 of 19 field goals this season, including five in one game for the first time since 2019. His consistency compensates for offensive inefficiency. In high-pressure moments, he’s the difference between a loss and a lifeline.
What’s the impact of the injuries on the Chiefs’ remaining schedule?
The absence of Isiah Pacheco (RB) and Omarr Norman-Lott (DT) weakens both offense and defense. Without Pacheco, the Chiefs lose their short-yardage power and clock-eating ability. Without Norman-Lott, the interior pass rush suffers. If Xavier Worthy returns from his ankle injury, it could help open the field—but even then, the offensive line remains vulnerable. Every game now is a test of depth.
Could the Colts have won if they hadn’t missed those field goals?
Absolutely. The Colts missed two field goals inside the 30-yard line in the second half—kicks that would have extended their lead to 23-9. With their kicker Spencer Shrader on IR, they relied on a backup who’s struggled under pressure. Those misses weren’t just mistakes—they were turning points. A 23-9 lead might have broken Kansas City’s spirit. Instead, it gave them hope.
Is Andy Reid’s job on the line if the Chiefs miss the playoffs?
No. Reid’s contract runs through 2027, and his legacy as a two-time Super Bowl champion secures his position. But this season is about legacy, not job security. If the Chiefs miss the playoffs after winning Super Bowl LVIII, it would be his first non-playoff season since 2012. That’s not a failure—it’s a surprise. And surprises don’t last long in Kansas City.
When will Patrick Mahomes return?
The Chiefs have not officially announced a timeline, but sources indicate Mahomes is targeting Week 15 against the Patriots. His return would dramatically shift their playoff odds, as he’s been 22-3 as a starter when playing 15+ games in a season. Without him, the Chiefs are playing with fire. With him, they’re still a title contender.