Three AFC Teams That Can Dethrone Kansas City Chiefs

A thrilling, 25-22 overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII cemented the chatter about a Kansas City Chiefs dynasty.

Now the first franchise in 19 years to win back-to-back Super Bowls, the Chiefs enter the season with three of the past five league crowns. Next up: a bid for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat.

Those who endure Patrick Mahomes fatigue or harbor “Bad Blood” toward tight end Travis Kelce (sorry; you know his pop-star boo) may delight in knowing that no NFL franchise has accomplished that feat. In fact, none of the eight teams to repeat as champs returned to play for the title the next season, and three missed the playoffs altogether.

Here’s guessing a phalanx of Jakes from State Farm couldn’t ensure the latter scenario transpires in 2024. However, there’s a lineup of AFC rivals thirsty to unseat KC and represent the conference at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Feb. 9.

These three teams might.

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore was primed to stop the Chiefs’ Super Bowl Express a season ago. The Ravens answered immediately after visiting KC drew first blood in the AFC Championship Game and narrowly outgained Kansas City.

The Chiefs contained Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson after his early successes, though, while Mahomes never was sacked in a 17-10 Kansas City win.

Jackson, the NFL MVP, gained just 54 yards on eight carries, getting 21 on one rush.

Jackson can begin to exorcise his January demons against the Chiefs when the teams meet in the NFL season opener at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 5. He’ll have a big -- and bulky -- boost in the backfield this season after the Ravens added veteran running back Derrick Henry to go with up-and-comer Justice Hill.

An offensive line with three new starters could present early concerns. Ditto for a defense that saw edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney sign with Carolina. Baltimore boasts the experience to advance to another playoff showdown with KC nonetheless, not to mention a blueprint on what not to do in a potential rematch.

Cincinnati Bengals

Forget dethroning the Chiefs. For a moment, anyway.

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow always is eager to knock off the aforementioned Ravens for the AFC North title and conference supremacy.

There’s added oomph this time after Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury at Baltimore in a Week 11 loss last season. The Bengals fell to 5-5 and barely tread water with Jake Browning under center, missing the playoffs.

The Bengals’ Super Bowl aspirations hinge on a healthy Burrow, who has had career success against the Chiefs and gets his next crack in a Week 2 matchup at Arrowhead. Returning four starters on the O-line should help Burrow work back into a rhythm with top target Ja’Marr Chase and the rest of the attack.

Coach Zac Taylor and Co. must fix a defensive slide from a year ago. The unit lost D.J. Reader and Chidobe Awuzie in free agency.

Buffalo Bills

Was last season’s blizzard-delayed divisional playoff game in Orchard Park, N.Y., the Bills’ last chance to beat KC in January for a (cold) spell?

Buffalo would love to think not, but considering the departures in the wide receiver room, it’s easy to justify posing the question.

Thing is, the Bills still have a stalwart under center in Josh Allen. His top target, Stefon Diggs, may have moved on to Houston (another contender for this space) in an offseason trade, but Allen’s durability and versatility as a runner can keep the offense churning as new receivers get acclimated.

Similarly, linebacker Von Miller is a sturdy piece for a defense that underwent offseason changes, as well, and still is hoping for the return of safety Micah Hyde as he considers retirement. The Bills draft was defense-heavy; perhaps some new faces will be the turning point to a playoff turnaround.