Colts vs Chiefs Game Analysis: Defense Issues
On Sunday, September 20 at 8:20 pm ET in Kansas City, Sunday Night Football takes place between the Colts and the Chiefs.
The Chiefs had an impressive opener on Monday Night Football against Denver, winning 31-10. It looks like Kansas City is back.
Indianapolis had a tough opener against the Baltimore Ravens, especially their defense, losing 41-23. Join us at PayPerHead to see which team is the favorite in this Colts vs Chiefs prediction.
Indianapolis Colts Recent Scores: Looking for 1st Win
The Colts were winless during the preseason, getting one tie against the Patriots in Week 1, 13-13. After Week 1 of the regular season, Indianapolis is still winless.
They lost to the Ravens 41-23, who dominated with their rushing attack. While Lamar Jackson passed for 324 yards for Baltimore, QB Daniel Jones (who is returning from an Achilles injury) passed for 166 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He completed only 19-for-31 and averaged only 4.5 yards per attempt.
The Ravens rushed for 202 yards as Derrick Henry went for 144 yards and made three touchdowns. Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor rushed for 98 yards and 2 TDs.
Kansas City Chiefs Recent Scores: Walker is Running
The Chiefs didn’t win any games in preseason, but they did have to go up against the Rams and Seahawks.
Any concerns about Patrick Mahomes’ knee were nullified in Week 1 of the regular season when the Chiefs’ QB played through a 31-10 victory over Denver Monday night, even running in the opening touchdown. The Broncos were the AFC West Champions in 2025, breaking the Chiefs’ nine-year streak. Kansas City ended 2025 in third with a 6-11 record.
Eric Bieniemy returned to Kansas City as offensive coordinator, and kept the Broncos guessing by mixing the run and pass. New running back Kenneth Walker III has already made a difference, running for 173 yards and a touchdown in his debut on MNF. Indianapolis will have its hands full with him.
Indianapolis vs Kansas City History: 5 Playoff Skirmishes
The Colts have played the Chiefs 29 times since their first contest in 1970. Indianapolis leads the series 18-11-0, including 5 postseason games, which the Colts won all but the most recent:
- 2018 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: IND 13 vs 31 KC
- 2013 AFC Wild Card Game: KC 44 vs 45 IND
- 2006 AFC Wild Card Game: KC 8 vs 23 IND
- 2003 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: IND 38 vs 31 KC
- 1995 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: IND 10 vs 7 KC
Their last meeting was Nov 23, 2025, when the Chiefs won 23-20 in OT.
Colts vs Chiefs Prediction: Rain Means Under
The Chiefs are favored to win by 6.5 points. Until the Colts’ defense can prove they can hold off a strong offense, they won’t convince anyone that they’ll do well against one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Experts aren’t expecting a blowout or a high-scoring game because of the Chiefs’ short week and the possibility of rain, which is why the total is set at 47.5. Expect it to go over as the Chiefs are just getting started and the Colts’ defense won’t be ready for it.
This is the second straight road game for the Colts, and now they have to deal with a loud Arrowhead Stadium.
Our Colts vs Chiefs prediction is a 28-20 win for the Chiefs, covering the spread. Remember to follow us on social media to stay tuned for this NFL season.
