Kansas City Chiefs Rivals: A Quick Guide

The Kansas City Chiefs, established in 1959, have a storied history in the National Football League (NFL) and have developed intense rivalries with other teams throughout the years. The Chiefs’ success, including two Super Bowl victories, further heightened the fierceness of their competition, making their matchups highly anticipated events for fans and players alike.

Among their primary rivals are the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos, with whom they share memorable games and a lasting competitive spirit. However, it’s not limited to these three teams; the Chiefs have also faced off against the Green Bay Packers, fostering another legendary rivalry in NFL history. Each of these rivalries has its own unique story, adding to the excitement and passion behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ fan base and the sport of football itself.

AFC West Rivals

The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West in recent years, winning the division the previous seven seasons. Their success has been largely due to the remarkable play of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who holds a 27-3 record against AFC West teams. The Chiefs’ rivals in the AFC West are the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers. Each team is looking to dethrone the Chiefs and claim the division title for themselves.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have a storied history and have been involved in some hard-fought battles with the Chiefs over the years. The Broncos look to bounce back from recent struggles with an improved roster heading into the new season. The addition of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and some key defensive upgrades should make the team more competitive in their quest to dethrone Kansas City.

• Quarterback: Teddy Bridgewater
• Key additions: Linebacker Baron Browning, cornerback Patrick Surtain II

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have always had a heated rivalry with the Chiefs, and head coach Jon Gruden is looking to take the team to new heights. With Derek Carr under center and some fresh talent on both sides of the ball, the Raiders aim to challenge the Chiefs’ dominance in the division.

• Quarterback: Derek Carr
• Key additions: Wide receiver John Brown, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers might be considered the Chiefs’ most dangerous rival, with young, talented quarterback Justin Herbert leading the way. The Chargers also boast a balanced blend of offensive and defensive weapons, making them a formidable challenger in the AFC West.

• Quarterback: Justin Herbert
• Key additions: Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Each of these AFC West rivals brings a unique set of challenges for the Chiefs, and the competition within the division promises to be intense. The Chiefs will have their hands full as they seek to extend their reign atop the AFC West, battling against these determined challengers.

Historical Rivals

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have had a long and competitive history. Their games have often been closely contested and hard-fought battles. Although these teams do not play in the same division, their matches have created a memorable rivalry with high stakes, emotional intensity, and mutual respect between both organizations.

Over the years, the Chiefs and Steelers have met in several playoff games, adding fuel to their rivalry. One of the most notable matchups was in the 1993 playoffs, where the Chiefs won a thrilling overtime game. In more recent times, the Steelers managed to secure a victory in the 2016 playoffs against the Chiefs.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have been a dominant force in the NFL for the better part of the past two decades. This dominance has led to various rivalries with other successful teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs and Patriots have met in high-stakes games, including memorable playoff matchups.

In the 2018 season, the Chiefs and Patriots met in the AFC Championship Game, with the Patriots narrowly edging out the Chiefs in an overtime thriller. This match further cemented their rivalry and fueled a desire for the Chiefs to topple the Patriots’ reign. Such games contribute to their growing rivalry and make each encounter highly anticipated.

Buffalo Bills

The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills rivalry traces back to the early days of the American Football League (AFL) when both teams started battling for supremacy. This rivalry has persisted throughout the years as both organizations have established themselves as successful NFL franchises.

In recent times, the Chiefs and Bills met in a crucial playoff game during the 2020 season. The Chiefs managed to overcome the Bills on their way to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance. As these two teams continue to compete for AFC dominance, their rivalry promises to provide exciting match-ups for football fans.

In-State Rivalry

St. Louis Cardinals

While the Kansas City Chiefs have several rivalries with other NFL teams, there was a time when their in-state rivalry with the St. Louis Cardinals was one to be reckoned with. From 1960 to 1987, the Cardinals called St. Louis home before relocating to Arizona to become the Phoenix Cardinals, and eventually the Arizona Cardinals.

During the Cardinals’ time in St. Louis, the Chiefs and Cardinals only faced each other a handful of times due to being in different conferences. However, the skirmishes between the two teams were memorable, featuring some hard-fought battles on the gridiron.

As neighboring teams in the state of Missouri, this match-up established a sense of pride for both cities’ fan bases. What made this in-state rivalry unique was the contrast in each team’s style of play. The Cardinals were known for their aerial attack, while the Chiefs were recognized for their strong running game and stout defense.

While this rivalry may not have been as intense as the Chiefs’ battles with other teams like the Denver Broncos or Las Vegas Raiders, it provided a special connection within the state. The in-state rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals has since dissolved due to geographical moves and conference realignments, but it remains a notable chapter in the Chiefs’ history.

Playoff Rivals

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have had some intense matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years. Both teams boast strong rosters and coaching staff, making their encounters highly anticipated and competitive. Although the all-time series is in favor of the Chiefs, the Ravens have managed to give the Chiefs a tough time in the playoffs, particularly during the 2019 season, where the Ravens posed a significant challenge to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run.

However, their rivalry is more of a recent phenomenon, and we can expect the intensity to grow as both teams continue to be top contenders in the AFC for years to come. The Chiefs and the Ravens have developed a friendly competition, showcasing some of the NFL’s most exciting football on display whenever they face off.

Cleveland Browns

Although the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns have not had a long-standing rivalry, their playoff meeting in the 2020 season has caught the attention of fans. The Divisional Round matchup showcased the resilience and strength of both teams, ultimately leading to a Chiefs victory and advancing to the AFC Championship.

The Browns have seen a resurgence in recent years, which has led to their increased competitiveness, making the potential for an engaging rivalry with the Chiefs more likely. As the Browns continue to improve and challenge for a spot in the playoffs, we may see more exciting confrontations between these two franchises in the postseason.

In conclusion, while the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns have not been long-standing rivals of the Chiefs, their recent playoff encounters have left lasting impressions on fans and analysts, signaling the potential for even greater competition and sportsmanship in the coming years.