Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday when the teams meet at Arrowhead Stadium. Hunt carried the ball 13 times for 59 yards and a touchdown in Week 11’s loss to Denver, marking his third consecutive game with a rushing score.
The veteran back caught one pass for three yards in the 22-19 defeat. His 59 rushing yards represented a season high, matching his season-high carry total of 13 attempts. Hunt has emerged as the primary ball carrier in recent weeks while Isiah Pacheco recovers from a knee injury.
Pacheco missed Week 11 and remains questionable for Sunday’s contest after limited participation in Thursday’s practice. The Chiefs listed him on the injury report with an MCL sprain sustained in late October. Hunt logged 80 percent of offensive snaps against the Broncos, handling nearly all rushing attempts while Brashard Smith saw minimal involvement with two receptions for eight yards.
The Chiefs enter Week 12 at 5-5 following consecutive losses that have put their playoff positioning in jeopardy. Kansas City trails division-leading Denver by four games and currently sits outside the AFC playoff picture. The team has struggled in close games this season, going 0-5 in one-score contests after posting an 11-0 record in such situations last year.
Indianapolis brings the league’s top-scoring offense to Kansas City, averaging more than 32 points per game. The Colts rank first in multiple offensive categories, including yards per play and points per drive. Running back Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns, while quarterback Daniel Jones has provided stability at the position.
The matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions. The Colts improved to 8-2 with their recent victory, positioning themselves for a playoff berth. Kansas City must reverse its recent struggles to avoid missing the postseason for the first time in a decade. Hunt’s workload could increase if Pacheco remains sidelined. The 30-year-old back has accumulated 353 rushing yards and six touchdowns through 10 games, adding value in short-yardage situations. He scored rushing touchdowns in Weeks 9, 10, and 11 despite averaging just over four yards per carry.
The Chiefs face the Colts at noon Sunday with playoff implications on both sides. Oddsmakers project a combined scoring total near 50 points, reflecting Indianapolis offensive firepower and Kansas City’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Colts defense ranks fifth against the run, presenting a challenge for Hunt and the Chiefs’ ground game.
Smith, a seventh-round selection in the 2025 draft, has seen limited opportunities in the offense. The young player caught two passes against Denver after handling increased touches in earlier weeks. Elijah Mitchell also remains on the roster but has not factored significantly into the backfield rotation.
Kansas City’s offensive struggles have coincided with their recent losing streak. The team has failed to score 28 points in five of its last six games, managing just one victory when held under that mark. Hunt’s ability to generate yards in short-yardage situations has kept the offense functional, though the team needs more explosive plays to compete with high-powered opponents.
The game kicks off at noon Central Time at Arrowhead Stadium, where Kansas City holds a strong home record dating to last season. The Chiefs have posted a 12-1 mark at home since the beginning of 2024, though their recent road struggles have raised questions about the team’s overall performance.
