The Kansas City Chiefs have never failed to make it to the AFC Championship game in Patrick Mahomes' tenure, and have won two out of the last three Super Bowls, while playing in the penultimate game last season; yet, their time is over.
After the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs aren't seen as the dominant AFC force they were. But does one loss really take away everything the franchise has done over the years? It appears so.
Even in the division, which the Chiefs have won nine straight times, some have the Los Angeles Chargers dethroning Kansas City.
However, as NFL.com's Eric Edholm writes, ranking the AFC West the third toughest division in football, the Chiefs' credibility gives them an edge in 2025.
"If this is something of a "last dance" season in Kansas City, with franchise icon Travis Kelce discussing retirement this offseason, then we could see another championship run from Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the boys," Edholm writes. "The Chiefs' humiliating loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX -- after they logged a slew of narrow regular-season victories -- has some questioning their chances, but the track record earns this team major credibility."
Andy Reid consults with Patrick Mahomes amid a game vs. the Carolina Panthers.
Andy Reid consults with Patrick Mahomes amid a game vs. the Carolina Panthers.
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Essentially, until we actually see the Chargers, Denver Broncos, or Las Vegas Raiders win the division, it is as you were in the AFC West.
Have those teams improved? No doubt, but so too have the Chiefs in the form of Rashee Rice returning and Marquise Brown, hopefully being available well before Week 16 this year.
Some have the Chiefs falling off a cliff as the dynasty ends in 2025, but let's not forget, just one game ago, this team was being talked about as the greatest ever.
That doesn't just go away.
Nor will the Chiefs as AFC West favorites.