After finishing the season 6-11 in 2025, the Chiefs started the new season on the right foot with a dominant 31-10 victory over the division-rival Denver Broncos. They'll get to play in prime time at home for the second consecutive week.
Week 1 for the Colts wasn't as glamorous, In fact, everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong. They allowed the Baltimore Ravens to score 41 points while scoring just 23 themselves.
Luckily for Indianapolis, the season has just begun, and they'll get a chance to bounce back with the whole country watching.
History between the two teams
These two teams have plenty of history over the last decade, splitting their last four regular-season matchups. That does not include the 2019 AFC divisional playoff matchup that ended the Colts’ season. After that divisional game, the Colts went on to win the next two meetings. In both of those seasons, the Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl.
The most recent matchup, last season, carries the heaviest emotional weight for this Colts team. Sitting at 8-2 entering that game, the Colts’ season began a downward spiral after a 23-20 overtime loss. That was the first loss of a seven-game losing streak that closed out their season,
The quarterbacks recovery path
Although it is a new season, both these teams carry the scars of last season. Franchise quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Daniel Jones did not finish last season because of season-ending injuries late in the year.
In Week 14 of last season, Daniel Jones limped off the field after tearing his achilles in Jacksonville. It was a devastating blow for not only the Colts’ fan base but also for Jones himself, as he was having his best season yet. In his return last week against the Ravens, he threw for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was able to recover in time to return in Week 1 this season against the Broncos. It wasn't a perfect season debut, but it was impressive nonetheless, as he accounted for three touchdowns and threw for 184 yards while completing 15 of 27 passes.
Those returns most likely did not turn the heads of many, but they were a step toward getting back to pre-injury form.
Major change on the Colts defense
Last Sunday the Colts’ defense was picked apart by Lamar Jackson and Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The Colts’ coaching staff recognized that and has already made a major change to the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Akiem Davis-Gaither will now wear the green dot moving forward instead of safety Cam Bynum, who wore it in Week 1.
“I just think the communication wasn't where it needed to be Week 1. So I think it frees up Cam on the backhand to communicate,” coach Shane Steichen said about the decision.
Among many other issues, Indianapolis hopes this change will improve one of the main problems it saw in Week 1.
The Colts’ run defense against the Ravens was abysmal, allowing 202 yards and four touchdowns. If they want any chance at a Week 2 victory, that can't happen again. Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III ran for 173 yards out of the team's 220 rushing yards.
For the Colts, it seems the only thing they can do is put their season opener behind them and put all their energy into a scary-looking Chiefs team.
Looking ahead to Arrowhead
As Sunday quickly approaches, both teams find themselves staring down a pivotal matchup. For Kansas City, this game is vital to keeping its early-season momentum rolling and continuing to get Mahomes back into pre-injury form. This game serves as a great opportunity to put the rest of the conference on notice and prove the Chiefs are a real contender.
For Indianapolis, this game will be the ultimate test. Sitting at 0-1 after a disappointing season opener, the Colts have a chance to flip the outlook for the rest of their season.
That’s not to suggest their season is over if they don't perform Sunday night, but conversations may be had if they play as they did last weekend. With the country watching, the Colts will look for their first victory in the United States since Oct 26. 2025.
Sunday night at Arrowhead should provide clarity on who these two teams truly are and give a better outlook on the season ahead.
