Chiefs vs Colts: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions

Dec 29, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) high fives the fans as he runs off the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Jacksonville 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

When: 4:35 PM ET, January 4, 2014

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, Game Rewind

The playoffs are here and it will get kicked off with an AFC matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts. They met earlier in the season a few weeks ago and the Colts dominated the Chiefs in the game by winning 23-7. The Colts feel that they are getting hot at the right time and are hoping to ride that hot streak through the playoffs and into the Super Bowl.

“I think if you check the last six Super Bowl winners, they got hot at the right time,” Indianapolis defensive end Robert Mathis said. “That’s what it’s all about, getting hot at the right time.”

The Chiefs on the other hand have been declining. All 5 of their losses have come in the last 7 weeks of the season. They didn’t play all of their starters in the last game of the year, but a loss is a loss. They are hoping that getting some players back healthy will help them through the playoffs. Justin Houston is expected to be back on the field and that should help the defense generate a pass rush on Andrew Luck. Tamba Hali’s status is up in the air, but I can’t see him missing this opportunity.

The Chiefs defense started out the year on fire, but has been inconsistent to end the year. Having Houston back on the field should help that a bit. They will need him on the field to slow down Luck.

Prediction: 

Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts have been hot and will have the home field advantage in this game and I expect to play well in front of the home crowd. Andrew Luck will move the ball on the Chiefs defense and will find a way to make a big play. The Chiefs offense doesn’t make too many mistakes and will need Jamaal Charles to make some big plays in the running game to spark the offense. If the Chiefs want to win, they will need to rely on their defense to make some huge plays like they did at the start of the year. Forcing turnovers will be a must.

In the end, I think this game will be close. Both teams match up well with each other, but I have to give the advantage to the home team on this one.

Colts 27 – Chiefs 24