Chiefs Survive Colts in OT Thriller as Butker’s Kick Seals 23-20 Win

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dominant. But when it mattered most, the Kansas City Chiefs did what champions do — they found a way. On Monday, November 24, 2025, at G.E.H.A Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, the Chiefs escaped with a 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts, a win that rekindled their fading playoff hopes in the AFC. The final score belied a game of grit, mistakes, and sheer will — especially from Harrison Butker, whose 27-yard field goal in overtime sealed the deal after a 25-yarder tied it at 20-20 with 14 seconds left in regulation.

When the Offense Stalled, the Defense Stepped Up

For three quarters, Patrick Mahomes looked off his game. He completed just 14 of 27 passes for 147 yards, missing open receivers and forcing throws into tight windows. The Chiefs’ offense sputtered. But here’s the thing — they didn’t need him to be perfect. Not this time.

Instead, it was the defense that carried them. Led by Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Leo Chenal, the unit held the Colts to four straight three-and-outs to close the game — including one in overtime. That’s not luck. That’s execution. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up a masterclass in pressure and coverage, neutralizing Jonathan Taylor and forcing Daniel Jones into uncomfortable throws. The Colts’ offense, which had been humming just hours before, suddenly looked like a broken clock.

The Plays That Changed Everything

Turns out, two penalties and one impossible catch turned the tide.

With 2:18 left in the fourth and the Chiefs down 20-17, Travis Kelce caught a slant at the 41-yard line — only to be tripped up by a Colts defender. The flag flew: pass interference. A 17-yard gain. Suddenly, it was first down at the Colts’ 24. Two plays later, Butker nailed the 25-yarder to send it to OT.

And then came the moment that’ll be replayed for years. On the first drive of overtime, Mahomes dropped back, rolled right, and fired a laser to Kelce in the back of the end zone. The ball was high. The coverage was tight. But Kelce — ever the magician — stretched, twisted, and somehow stayed in bounds. Touchdown? No. The ball slipped from his fingers. But the Colts’ secondary had committed pass interference again. First down at the 10. Two plays later, Butker lined up again. This time, no doubt. The kick sailed true. 23-20. Arrowhead erupted.

"He was his clutch self in that fourth quarter," said Jackson Durham, host of Chiefs Report by Chat Sports. "Was it his best game? No. But you don’t need your best when you’ve got your heart right. And Mahomes had heart."

Colts’ Collapse: What Went Wrong?

The Colts had every reason to win. Up 20-9 with 8:47 left. Jonathan Taylor had rushed for 112 yards. Daniel Jones was efficient. Mike Badgley had drilled a 48-yard field goal earlier in the half. But then — silence.

After a 17-yard completion to Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts’ offense went ice-cold. Three consecutive possessions: three-and-out. A false start. A dropped pass. A sack by Chris Jones that forced a fumble recovered by Leo Chenal. "They just stopped believing," said Casey Vallier on Colts.com. "It’s not just one guy. It’s the whole unit. When the pressure came, they flinched."

Even the officiating played a role. Two pass interference calls on the Colts. One face mask penalty. Both extended Chiefs drives. "You can’t give a team like that extra chances," added Bill Brooks. "They’ll make you pay. And they did."

Why This Win Matters

The Chiefs’ record now stands at 6-5. They’re not out of the woods — but they’re no longer on the outside looking in. With three games left against AFC opponents (including a rematch with the Bengals), this win wasn’t just about points. It was about momentum. About identity. About proving they can win ugly when the stakes are high.

Meanwhile, the Colts fall to 5-6. Their playoff hopes, once bright after a 4-1 start, are now hanging by a thread. They’ve lost three of their last four, and their offense has scored just 17 points in the final 12 minutes of those games.

What’s Next?

The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos next Sunday. A win there, and they’ll be back in the AFC West race. A loss, and they’ll need help from multiple teams to sneak in. Meanwhile, the Colts travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders — a game that could effectively end their postseason chances if they lose.

One thing’s clear: the NFL doesn’t care about your stats. It cares about who wins when it matters. And on this night, the Chiefs did.