Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs finally got the monkey off their back on Sunday, escaping Indianapolis with a 23-20 overtime victory that stopped a two-game losing streak and breathed new life into their playoff hopes.
The dramatic comeback at Arrowhead marked a critical turning point for a team that had struggled mightily in close games. Heading into Week 12, the Chiefs were 0-5 in single-score contests—a stark reversal from a perfect 12-0 record in similar situations just a year ago. Now, they’ve cracked that code at exactly the moment they needed to.
Down 20-9 in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs orchestrated one of their season’s finest performances when it mattered most. Mahomes orchestrated crucial drives down the stretch to force overtime, where Harrison Butker nailed a 27-yard field goal to send Kansas City home winners and improve their record to 6-5. It was just the kind of statement victory the team desperately needed as the schedule tightens down the final stretch.
What changed? Special teams finally executed at a championship level. Butker bounced back from earlier struggles this season, connecting on five field goals including the game-winner. The coverage units avoided the disaster that plagued them in recent weeks—particularly the 70-yard punt return surrender against Denver that had become emblematic of their recent slide. Three holding penalties on returns complicated matters, but the overall special teams performance was miles better than what Chiefs fans had come to expect.
The offensive line still drew critical flags at inopportune moments, including a questionable facemask penalty on Jawaan Taylor that negated a Travis Kelce touchdown in the first quarter. Yet the Chiefs found ways to overcome adversity rather than fold under it—a theme that’s defined their win-loss record this season.
Building Momentum Down the Stretch
Speaking to the roster decisions, the Chiefs brought in running back Dameon Pierce from the Houston Texans practice squad, adding depth to the backfield while starter Isiah Pacheco recovers from a knee injury. They also elevated Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game, signaling the organization’s intention to operate with multiple weapons in the running game.
With an easier schedule ahead and momentum now on their side, the Chiefs have positioned themselves squarely in the playoff conversation. The story of 2025 has been one of narrow defeats in crucial moments—injuries, penalties, and unfortunate bounces that seemed to haunt this team. Sunday proved they’re capable of turning those moments in their favor.
Now comes the real test: can Kansas City build on this breakthrough? One win in a tight game is validation. A string of them would be a playoff ticket. For a team that’s fought through adversity all season, this OT victory against Indianapolis might be exactly the reset button they needed.