Are the Chiefs falling behind? Bills emerge as surprising AFC favorites heading into the 2025 season
The Bills have overtaken the Chiefs as AFC favorites heading into 2025, signaling a possible shift in conference dominance and rivalry. (Getty Images)
The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a defining one for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a year that didn't meet their championship expectations, critics are louder than ever, suggesting the Chiefs' run of dominance may be nearing its end.
But if history has taught us anything, it's that counting out Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and this battle-tested franchise usually ends in regret.
Is the Chiefs dynasty fading? Bills gain momentum as top AFC contenders in 2025
All offseason, the narrative has been dominated by doubts. NFL analysts and fans alike are questioning whether the Chiefs can bounce back. Some don't even list them as contenders anymore. The departure of key players on both sides of the ball has only fueled this skepticism.
For the first time in years, the Chiefs aren't the consensus favorites in the AFC. That honor, for many, now belongs to the Buffalo Bills—a team that has often challenged Kansas City in the regular season, but has yet to dethrone them when it truly matters.
Yet, despite the noise, the Chiefs are keeping their heads down. They've been here before—criticized, doubted, and dismissed—only to return stronger. While this offseason's roster turnover has been more significant than usual, the internal culture built by Andy Reid and his coaching staff isn't shaken easily.
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The Chiefs will continue to trust their system and focus on getting better this offseason, and as they've shown in the past, they'll keep defying the doubters.
Chiefs Face UNPRECEDENTED Challenge as AFC Rivals Bolster Rosters
What sets the Chiefs apart is not just their talent, but their resilience. The team still boasts the NFL's best quarterback in Patrick Mahomes and the most tactically astute coach in Andy Reid. Even if the names around them change, the engine of this dynasty remains intact.
And despite an offseason of major roster shuffles, Kansas City has addressed key weaknesses on both offense and defense—quietly getting better where it counts.
Interestingly, the underdog role might work in the Chiefs' favor. Without the burden of being the hunted, the team's younger players, especially the rookies, get room to develop without overwhelming pressure. Veterans, too, can play with a chip on their shoulder, something that has historically brought out the best in this group.
As the spotlight dims, the fire within burns hotter.
The Chiefs vs. Bills rivalry is expected to reignite once again in the regular season, but both sides know the real battle will take place in the postseason. Although the Bills have secured a few regular-season victories, when it has counted the most in the playoffs, the Chiefs have had their number. That mental advantage still leans heavily toward Kansas City.
This coming season isn't just about redemption—it's about reminding the NFL that the dynasty isn't crumbling. It's evolving. And while the rest of the league adjusts to new threats, the Chiefs are reloading. When many start underestimating them, that's exactly when they strike back and remind everyone why they're the team to beat.
Will the Chiefs rise again in 2025? With Mahomes under center and Reid on the sidelines, betting against Kansas City has never been wise. The kingdom may be under siege, but it's far from fallen.
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Tired of the drama? Steelers QB drops truth bomb on Aaron Rodgers drama, says "There's been constant noise"
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