The Kansas City Chiefs may not have the best record in the NFL, but they’re still the reigning AFC champs.
Also, the conference looks as open as it’s ever been.
That’s why, after watching the Chiefs shut out the Las Vegas Raiders, analyst Chris Simms agrees that they’re still the team to beat, but they’re not alone at the top.
“Two teams that are just on my radar that can take Kansas City out, yes, Indianapolis is certainly one of them. They don’t let you score touchdowns. … So, I do think they’re one of those teams. I think the New England Patriots with the way they’re playing on the offensive side of the ball … yeah, they’d be a team that, if I was the Chiefs, I’d go, ‘Ah, my gosh, we gotta deal with [Mike] Vrabel and a hot quarterback,'” Simms said.
Chris Simms says two teams stand out as real threats to the Chiefs in the AFC:
The Colts and the Patriots 👀@CSimmsQB | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/CwmTWPaRUP
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 20, 2025
It is noteworthy that Simms did not include the Buffalo Bills on that list.
Then again, the Chiefs have always had the Bills’ number in the playoffs.
The Colts have arguably the best offense in the NFL, with running back Jonathan Taylor posting MVP-caliber numbers and Daniel Jones finally looking like a franchise quarterback.
They’re not as stout on defense, but they can get stops.
The Patriots, on the other hand, have taken a huge leap with Vrabel as head coach.
Quarterback Drake Maye looks like the real deal, and they’ve restored the defensive dominance they displayed under Bill Belichick.
Whatever the case, the Chiefs have been the last team standing in the AFC the past three seasons.
With quarterback Patrick Mahomes playing some of the best football of his career, combined with a stellar defense, it will take a lot for a team to eliminate them.
NEXT: Stats Show How Patrick Mahomes Is Dominating In Last 5 Games