The Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts are set to face off in an epic Week 12 matchup at Arrowhead Stadium that could have major implications on the AFC playoff picture.
At 5-5, the Chiefs are currently ‘in the hunt’ for a spot in the postseason, and may see their playoff hopes dashed if they are defeated at the hands of the Colts this afternoon.
The 8-2 Colts are among the NFL’s hottest teams and would advance their position in the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win over Kansas City.
Take a look at our staff predictions for the Chiefs’ Week 12 matchup against Indianapolis:
Ed Easton Jr.’s prediction
Today’s game will be a significant moment in the 2025 regular season for the Kansas City Chiefs as they enter Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts in a must-win situation.
Patrick Mahomes will once again be without starting running back Isiah Pacheco due to injury, but will look to connect on more deep passes. The hot streak of Travis Kelce will need to continue, while Xavier Worthy has a breakout game with additional targets.
Defensively, the Chiefs need another strong performance from Chris Jones following his inspired showing against the Denver Broncos last Sunday. The secondary is still in need of an interception this season, and a home matchup against Daniel Jones could solve that problem if under pressure.
Final score: Chiefs 24, Colts 14
Jon Ediger’s prediction
Kansas City’s playoff aspirations are likely coming to an end as the season enters Week 12.
The Chiefs’ recent offensive lethargy is of growing concern to fans in Kansas City. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been off-form, and head coach Andy Reid has seemingly abandoned the ground game. With running back Isiah Pacheco out on Sunday, Mahomes is expected to continue airing it out with little concern for offensive variety.
Kansas City’s defense has remained one of the few consistencies for the Chiefs. The defense has allowed 30 or more points just once this season, and I expect that trend will continue on Sunday. Kansas City’s secondary will presumably do a good job of containing quarterback Daniel Jones this week, but it will unlikely be enough to secure a win.
Final score: Chiefs 23, Colts 29
John Dillon’s prediction
I have no idea what to expect from this Chiefs team on a week-to-week basis. Every game seems to expose new weaknesses in Kansas City’s approach on both sides of the ball, and after months of below-average performances, I think I’m ready to start picking against the defending AFC champions.
With their season effectively on the line against the 8-2 Colts, I expect the Chiefs to put up a great fight but for Kansas City to ultimately fall short in its effort to get back in the win column. Patrick Mahomes will have to do something special to put points on the board against Indianapolis’ outstanding secondary, but the Chiefs have yet to show any ability to dissect competent defenses.
Final score: Chiefs 13, Colts 25
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs vs. Colts: 3 predictions for KC’s must-win matchup in Week 12
