
AFC on Alert: Kansas City Chiefs still cast the longest shadow in the conference
Chiefs AFC win analysis (Image via LAPRESSE)
While the rest of the AFC reloads for a title push, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the team no one wants to face when it matters. Their recent
Super Bowl
stumble hasn't shaken their grip on the conference.
With elite talent and proven leadership, the Chiefs aren't just surviving—they're still dominating. As training camps approach, the gap remains wider than rivals would like to admit.
NFL Network
analysts point to leadership, depth, and dynasty DNA
NFL
Network's Good Morning Football featured former running back Rashad Jennings, who emphasized why KC still rules the AFC. 'Patrick Mahomes, they have Andy Reid,
Travis Kelce
is still there, they're bringing back healthy receivers—in short, yes,' he said.
Jennings added, 'They're the best team, they've built a dynasty, they made the Super Bowl last year—that's the only thing they could have done besides win.' That belief is echoed across NFL circles.
The Chiefs enter the 2025 season with a roster that looks battle-ready and refreshed. Their receiving corps is recovering well, and with rookies and veterans stepping up, the offense could be even faster than last year. Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons are projected to boost the O-line, offering more protection for Mahomes.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
When Kansas City retools, they do it with precision and purpose.
AFC challengers like Bills, Ravens, and Bengals still fall short
It's not that Buffalo, Cincinnati, or Baltimore lack star power—it's that Kansas City continues to outperform when it counts. Despite playoff hype, none of these contenders have ousted the Chiefs over the last three postseasons. Mahomes continues to be the postseason's most reliable weapon, thriving under pressure and producing wins.
Defensively, Kansas City retains its aggressive identity, and continuity in coaching gives them an edge over younger, reshuffled staffs.
Their culture, chemistry, and experience create a barrier others can't yet cross. While other AFC teams hope to close the gap, Kansas City is already building toward another February run. And according to the NFL Network, no one has earned the right to claim their throne.
Also read:
NFL Trade Rumor: Post-mandatory minicamp stars who could be moved before training camp
The Kansas City Chiefs aren't chasing the AFC—they are the AFC. With Mahomes at the helm and Reid on the sidelines, the standard remains sky-high. Until another team dethrones them in January, they're still the kings. Rivals may talk, but Kansas City continues to walk the walk.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
10 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 1st Test: 'If he's going to take the sword...' R Ashwin's take on Rishabh Pant's bold batting
Rishabh Pant (Getty Images) Former India spinner R Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Rishabh Pant 's bold batting approach during the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, noting that while it's entertaining for viewers, it likely causes anxiety in the Indian dressing room. Pant's aggressive century in the second innings has strengthened India's position, setting England a target of 371 runs. Pant's innings began on Day 4 following Shubman Gill's dismissal, with the wicketkeeper-batter initially struggling against England's seamers. Despite early difficulties, including advancing down the track against Chris Woakes, Pant maintained his unconventional approach. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The left-hander attempted several risky shots against Brydon Carse, including a wild slog sweep that fortunately for India carried to the boundary due to wind conditions. He also attempted a scoop shot that resulted in an unsuccessful LBW review by England. — ashwinravi99 (@ashwinravi99) "His modus operandi has always been up for questioning. Against Brydon Carse he played a slog sweep which did not seem like percentage cricket, which Dinesh (Karthik) did mention. Very questionable tactics, but that's the way he's been going about his business," Ashwin said in a video posted on his X account. "If he's going to take the sword, might as well judge him by the performances and not by how he does it. As a fan, as someone watching the game away from close quarters of the dressing room, I am enjoying it. But it could be very nervy sitting in the dressing room if you are a coach, or if you are one of those players who wants to bowl in that fourth innings, it could be really, really tense," Ashwin added. Pant overcame his initial struggles and played more convincingly in the second session, ultimately scoring 118 runs off 140 deliveries. His innings included 15 fours and three sixes, demonstrating his ability to balance aggression with effectiveness. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also provided insight into Pant's batting approach, emphasising the strategic thinking behind his aggressive style. "People say Pant's batting defies logic but there is an element of a sharp cricket brain behind it. He knows when to counterattack," Shastri remarked. KL Rahul press conference: On his role, being elder brother in team, role clarity and match "It comes off on some occasions and on others it doesn't, but if he had converted some of those seven dismissals in the 90s he would have had a double-digit number of Test hundreds," Shastri added during his analysis after Stumps on Day 4. The match situation at the end of Day 3 saw England at 21-0, beginning their pursuit of the 371-run target set by India. Pant's century has played a crucial role in establishing this challenging target for the hosts. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here


Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG Test: R Ashwin makes huge comment on Yashasvi Jaiswal's slip catching; wants Indian pacers to do one job for Ravindra Jadeja
LEEDS, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Yashasvi Jaiswal of India during day 2 of the 1st Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 21, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by) Former India spinner R. Ashwin has explained why slip catching is so tough with the Dukes ball in England and has urged the Indian pacers to create rough patches for left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja . 'The second point I want to talk about is the catching — Yashasvi Jaiswal at the slip cordon,' Ashwin said in a video he posted on X. 'There has been some talk about his catching at slip. Yes, he found it tough. But let's all understand something — and cut some slack, which we very often fail to do — how difficult it is to catch, not only in English conditions with cold weather, but also because of the feel of the Dukes ball. It can take some time to adapt. The SG ball feels nice and comfortable in the hand. 'Kookaburra feels smaller. The Dukes is harder and, from a feel perspective, definitely feels bigger. And it's not easy. 'He's been one of the most improved slip fielders that India has had. He's taken some fantastic catches in the recent past, especially in Test cricket. So, we should give him some time.' With England needing 350 runs to win on the final day, the legendary Indian spinner said his former spin-bowling partner can become a threat to the English batters — but he'll need some help from the pacers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo IND vs ENG 1st Test: KL Rahul's grit, Rishabh Pant's fire keep India alive 'And finally, Ravindra Jadeja — can the Indian quick bowlers get some rough going for him? He'll be aiming for that rough patch,' he said. 'A lot of foreign seamers and teams from the western part of the world use long nails in their boots to create extended footmarks so that the spinners can come into play. The Indian team hasn't quite been able to do that. 'Can we do something? Because if the spinner is in play, we've got a huge chance. Awaiting a cracking day. Let's wait and watch.' Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here


Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
How much prize money do Thunder players earn for winning 2025 NBA Finals vs Indiana Pacers?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have finally done it. After years of rebuilding, the team is now on top of the basketball world. They beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals to win their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. But aside from the trophy, what do the players actually get? The answer: a pretty sweet bonus. How much do Oklahoma City Thunder players get? Winning the NBA Finals isn't just about lifting the trophy. There's also serious money involved. The Oklahoma City Thunder will take home a huge share of the NBA's playoff prize pool after beating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7. The total amount given to the winning team this year is over $13 million, and that's before other bonuses and team incentives. To Oklahoma with love 🫶 — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 23, 2025 According to Diario AS and NBA, that prize pool gets split among players, coaches, and support staff. But if we focus just on the players, and assume a standard 15-man playoff roster, each player is set to receive around $828,000. That's a massive reward for a long, gruelling season and a historic run. To compare, NFL players only get around $157,000 for winning the conference title and another $200,000 for the Super Bowl win. So yes, NBA Finals champions earn more than double what NFL winners do. For rookies and younger players on smaller contracts, this bonus can be more than 25% of their annual salary. And even for stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it's still a well-earned prize for leading this team to glory. There may be bigger contracts and endorsements out there, but nothing beats winning a ring and getting a nice check to go with it. What happened in the Thunder vs Pacers Game 7? The final showdown between the Thunder and Pacers was intense. With everything on the line, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up once again. He scored 29 points and had 12 assists, leading the team to victory in front of a wild home crowd at Paycom Center. THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER ARE WORLD — Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 23, 2025 He didn't just help his team win, Shai also took home Finals MVP, adding to his regular-season MVP and scoring title. He became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2002 to win all three in the same year. The Pacers fought hard, but their hopes took a big hit early when Tyrese Haliburton suffered what looked like an Achilles injury. He had started strong, hitting three early three-pointers, but left the game in tears after slipping in the first quarter. Still, Indiana stayed in the fight. TJ McConnell scored 12 points in the third quarter, while Bennedict Mathurin led the team overall with 24 points off the bench. But OKC's talent and energy proved too much in the final stretch