Week twelve in the NFL means a lot of things. By this point, there is a strong sense of who is good, who is not, who is a contender, and who is picking out locations for the 2026 draft party. We already
know so much because every team has played at least ten games. Week twelve also means there is plenty of football left. Take a screenshot of the AFC playoff picture because between now and the end of the regular season, a lot will change. Sunday’s monumental contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs will go a long way towards shaping the standings.
The game is slated in the early set but don’t let that fool you to its importance. The AFC is essentially a ten team contest for seven spots. Three teams sit at 5-5 and are on the outside looking in, but that doesn’t mean they are out. The Texans are playing better, and the Ravens are quickly becoming one of the hottest teams in the conference after an abysmal start. The Jaguars and Chargers are literal wildcards because you never know which team will show up in a given week, and teams like the Bills are playing catch up, while the Steelers are trying to hang on. It is possible for all of the current division leaders to be out of the top spot by the end of the season.
The game on Sunday will have a major say in how things turn out. The Chiefs are down from previous years but anyone who willingly wants to take them on at Arrowhead would be a fool. The Colts have no choice in the matter and will do their best to not only maintain their lead in the AFC South but also in the conference overall. They fell behind because of the bye but wins this week and next will move them back to the top. A loss, while not devastating would be a major hit to any dream of capturing the number one overall seed. It would also be another reason for doubt as they would have fallen to three good teams on the road. Tough wins to walk away with, but losing three would be disheartening.
Meanwhile, this game is even more important for the Chiefs. If they lose, their season is in great jeopardy. Falling to 5-6 with six more games to play would make a comeback to make the playoffs difficult and winning the division, thin. It could certainly be done, and just like with Tom Brady and the Patriots, this isn’t a team you can count out until everything is said and done. If they beat the Colts, 6-5 looks a lot better and puts them in prime position to make a late run. While the number one overall seed might prove tough, they could very well win the division and make a deep postseason run.
The Colts are in the catbird seat in this one. It is a huge game, but it won’t be season ending if they fall at Arrowhead. The Chiefs, however, can’t afford to drop this one. It could very well be their season on the line. The Colts need to understand this and come out swinging. The bye week gave them time to prepare and rest. Hopefully, that will be enough to take the win on Sunday. It would be one of the biggest wins in recent years and effectively drive the nail in the Chiefs’ coffin in 2025. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
