Chiefs will be without a key starter, and it will make it hard for them to take advantage of a big Colts weakness

The Colts struggling run defense could get some relief this week vs. the Chiefs lackluster rushing attack.

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Group of Colts defenders
Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts have had an extra week to prepare for their Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, having been on bye in Week 11. 

The team’s secondary is now at full strength with Charvarius Ward returning from the IR and ready to join Sauce Gardner as the team’s starting outside CBs. Their goal vs. the Chiefs will be to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offensive weapons.

The team’s run defense had struggled in recent weeks, though, and without DeForest Buckner, that area could be a big concern. The Chiefs will be without starting RB Isiah Pacheco, though, which could limit their ability to expose this major weakness on the Colts’ defense.

Colts won’t face Chiefs starting RB Isiah Pacheco with him ruled out for Week 12

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) runs the ball during the first half against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Pacheco has only 329 rushing yards on the season, but he hasn’t played since Week 8. The team’s season high for rushing yards in a game this year came in Week 6 with 158. They’ve been held under 100 rushing yards as a team three times this season. Twice with Pacheco in the lineup, so the rushing game has been flawed all season.

If the Colts’ secondary operates as the team envisions, the Chiefs will have to rely more on their run game than they typically do. Will the Colts’ struggling run defense play well enough to force the Chiefs’ run game to continue their season of struggle? Or will the Chiefs’ run game have its best rushing game of the year by taking advantage of the Colts’ weakness? 

The Chiefs elevated former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the matchup. A player they chose to select over Jonathan Taylor, mind you. I would expect the team to lean on Kareem Hunt as their overall starter. Pressure is on the Colts’ defense to force the Chiefs to take the ball out of Mahomes’ hands and make someone else on their offense beat them. 

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