The Kansas City Chiefs’ season has not unfolded the way many expected as the team heads into Week 12 with an even 5-5 record. Both the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers currently sit above Kansas City in the AFC West standings, adding pressure as the Chiefs prepare for another crucial matchup.
This week, Kansas City faces a significant challenge against the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts. While some believe the matchup plays in the Chiefs’ favor, the Colts have been playing strong football recently and have also had Kansas City’s number in their latest meetings.
The Chiefs enter Sunday on a two-game skid, having fallen to the Buffalo Bills in Week 9 and losing again last week to division-leading Denver. This marks the second time this season the Chiefs have dropped back-to-back games, with the team having opened the year at 0-2.
Carrying another losing streak undoubtedly weighs on the locker room. A loss on Sunday would severely damage the Chiefs’ postseason hopes, making it increasingly possible that the franchise won’t be competing for a championship this year.
A Kansas City fan greets an Indianapolis supporter on Sept. 25, 2022, during their matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
A win, however, would not only stop Kansas City’s current slide but would also snap the Colts’ two-game winning streak over the Chiefs.
Indianapolis has won the last two meetings between the teams. Although Patrick Mahomes has never beaten the Colts in his career, he has delivered strong performances in those previous matchups, offering at least a hint of optimism.
On Oct. 6, 2019, the Colts defeated Kansas City 19-13, and in their 2022 meeting, the Chiefs again came up short, 20-17. With Kansas City’s tendency to play tight, one-score games this season—and often ending up on the wrong side of them—they cannot afford another narrow loss.
Sunday also marks Daniel Jones’ second career appearance against Kansas City, and his second trip to Arrowhead Stadium.
If the Chiefs fail to come away with a victory, their path to the postseason becomes even more complicated. Still, players and coaches have expressed full confidence heading into the matchup. Chiefs Kingdom will need to make Arrowhead thunderous on Sunday, Nov. 23, to help fuel their team to a much-needed win.
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