Overcoming a slow start and getting a big game from their defense, the visiting Colts defeated Kansas City 23-7 on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
The loss eliminated the Chiefs (11-4) from title contention in the AFC West. Kansas City is now assured of being on the road in the wild-card round in the first weekend in January. It’s possible the Colts, who are the AFC South champion, could host the Chiefs in Round One of the postseason.
Tailback Donald Brown scored on a rush of 51 yards and a reception of 33 yards for the Colts (10-5), who fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter but then got it together. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck completed 26-of-37 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown in a fine performance against a good Kansas City defense.
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, meanwhile, committed three turnovers, throwing two picks and losing a fumble. Rookie tailback Knile Davis also lost a fumble, which set up Brown’s TD reception.
Chiefs tailback Jamaal Charles rushed for 106 yards on just 13 carries, and his 31-yard score off right end in the first quarter started the game on a positive note for Kansas City. Then, the Colts, in perhaps their best game since October considering the competition, stepped up their play.