Some of the best offseason talk happens between rival fan bases. The Kansas City Chiefs are an easy target for those who still doubt their recent success. So, fans are eager to boast and shout that the Chiefs are finished. However, will any team in the AFC really catch KC this season?
The Chiefs Nation is unique. We don’t make excuses for who we are or how we behave on social media. Sometimes we lose our way, but for the most part, we stand firm that the Chiefs are the best team in the NFL.
Yet, for those living in rival cities, they love to tout their team as the one that can defeat the Chiefs. Of course, they have momentum after the Chiefs’ demoralizing Super Bowl LIX loss. So, they’ve taken the same narrative and are sold on the idea that their team will unseat the Chiefs as the AFC’s dominant team.
Looking at the off-season, I think most of the rivals are generally better, but that doesn’t mean they have what it takes to beat the Chiefs in January. Most notably, the biggest obstacles in the Chiefs’ path remain the same culprits plus one in the AFC West.
The Baltimore Ravens have a three-time NFL MVP leading their offense, but Quarterback Lamar Jackson has yet to reach the Super Bowl. He has only appeared in one AFC title game, which he lost to the Chiefs in 2023.
For the most part, adding running back Derrick Henry didn’t help the Ravens advance further in their playoff run last season. They lost to the Bills in the divisional round, so essentially, they took a step back.
In Buffalo, the Bills reached the AFC Championship game but lost to the Chiefs. Although Josh Allen had a great season, and despite some major free agent departures before the season started, they managed to handle an easy schedule and meet expectations.
Still, though the Bills own the Chiefs in the regular season, they are now 0-4 in the Super Bowl chase. They just aren’t built to win three playoff games in a row. If they are ever going to reach the big game, they better be the top seed in the AFC.
The Bengals are the only team in the NFL with an offense capable of winning any game. However, their defense was a mess last year, and with their top pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, holding out, we know Joe Burrow will have to carry the load again.
If he stays healthy, he’s among the top quarterbacks in the NFL. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, he has the best 1-2 wide receiver duo in the AFC. Honestly, this offense is so strong that if the defense can make a few extra stops each game, they could have been a formidable playoff team last year.
The team that might give the Chiefs the most trouble, though, could be in Denver. The Broncos are strong defensively, and on paper, should be considered the top defense in the NFL. They have speed, playmakers at every position, and are built to stop the Chiefs.
Second-year quarterback Bo Nix will face all the pressure to replicate the second half of his rookie season. However, he has a great coach in Sean Payton, which should help bridge any gaps.
Although some other teams, such as the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Chargers, could make some noise, the Chiefs’ fourth consecutive appearance will rest on defeating the Bengals, Ravens, Bills, and Broncos.
However, I don’t see how any of these contenders have done enough this off-season to claim they are better than the Chiefs. I agree with Patrick Mahomes, who spoke with FanDuel’s Kay Adams this week, that the 2025 Chiefs are the most talented team during his time in Kansas City.
If that’s true, I don’t see any team in the AFC stopping the Chiefs from maintaining their dynasty dominance.v
