Are Josh Allen’s Bills Coming for the Chiefs’ Crown?
NFL fans have been treated to several dynasties over the past two decades, from Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots to Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs. However, the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant victory in Super Bowl LVII and their strategic long-term planning have raised questions about Kansas City’s continued dominance. Among the teams poised to challenge for the next NFL dynasty, the Buffalo Bills, led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen, stand out as a formidable contender.
The Kansas City Chiefs: A Dynasty on the Ropes?
The Chiefs may still have a chance to maintain their crown, thanks to the presence of head coach Andy Reid, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes—future Hall of Famers all. Add Travis Kelce to the mix, and the Chiefs boast an enviable core. Reid’s team excels at winning tight games, and the defense, under Spagnuolo, is top-notch and youthful. The addition of Xavier Worthy as a deep threat late in the 2023 season hints at promising future developments. However, the Chiefs’ offensive line has been a significant weak point, suffering from inconsistency and poor pass protection. Mahomes, known for his exceptional deep passing, struggled in this area during the 2024 season, with a completion rate of just 29.6% and a passer rating of 78.7% on throws of 20 or more air yards. The run game also needs a boost, and the loss of reliable targets beyond Kelce and Worthy is concerning. Addressing these issues is crucial for the Chiefs to remain a dominant force.
The Philadelphia Eagles: A New Era of Dominance
The Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, are well-positioned to become the next NFL dynasty. Saquon Barkley’s record-breaking 2,507 rushing yards, including the postseason, and the team’s stellar offensive line, are hallmarks of their strength. Jeff Stoutland, the run game coordinator and offensive line coach, is emerging as one of the best in NFL history. Defensively, the Eagles are equally formidable, with Vic Fangio coordinating a unit that delivered a historic performance in the Super Bowl. Jalen Hurts, the Super Bowl MVP, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the final game, but he still needs to refine his field reading. The departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the New Orleans Saints could impact Hurts’ development. Despite these minor concerns, the Eagles’ roster is deep and talented, and they are firmly poised to challenge for repeated titles.
The Baltimore Ravens: A Balanced Threat
The Baltimore Ravens, led by the dynamic Lamar Jackson, have the tools to become a dynasty. Jackson, a two-time MVP, demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities in 2024, pairing his running prowess with improved passing skills. The addition of Derrick Henry, an intelligent and powerful running back, adds another dimension to the Ravens’ attack. The receiving corps, featuring tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, along with receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, is one of the league’s best. The Ravens’ defense, while solid, needs reinforcement at the edge positions. Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy were solid contributors, but the team could benefit from additional depth. The secondary, bolstered by Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington, exhibited significant progress. If the Ravens can address these needs and maintain their consistency, they could be a force to reckon with in the AFC.
The Buffalo Bills: The Rising Powerhouse
The Buffalo Bills, with Josh Allen at the helm, are another team with the potential to establish a dynasty. Since 2018, the Bills have amassed 77 regular-season wins, placing them third in the league behind the Chiefs and Ravens. Allen’s leadership and performance have been pivotal, and under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the Bills have developed a robust and versatile run game led by James Cook. The defense, when fully healthy, is one of the best in the league, thanks to Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich’s coaching. However, the Bills need to improve their postseason performance, currently standing at 7-6 with Allen. The lack of a true No. 1 receiver is a critical gap. While Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman show promise, the team needs to secure a reliable deep threat to complement Allen’s skills. Tight end Dalton Kincaid’s development is also crucial. If the Bills can address these areas, they have the foundation to contend for the Super Bowl.
The Washington Commanders: A Promising Dark Horse
The Washington Commanders, despite being a long shot, showed significant progress in 2024. Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback, had an outstanding season, both in the passing and running game. Although the Eagles’ defense stifled him in the NFC championship, Daniels’ performance in the regular season was transformational. The team is bolstered by head coach Dan Quinn, known for his motivational skills, and an excellent defensive core, including linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. The offense, led by Terry McLaurin, is strong, but the Commanders could benefit from a more dynamic running back to complement their Pistol Pony run game. Both lines, offensive and defensive, need strengthening, particularly at offensive tackle and edge-rusher. The secondary, with Mike Sainristil as a key player, is poised for a rebuild. With the right moves, the Commanders could make a significant leap in 2025.
Post-Imperial Chaos: Open Competition and New Champions
While dynasties add a certain allure to sports, the NFL thrives on open competition. If the Chiefs, Eagles, Ravens, and Bills fail to establish lasting dominance, the league could enter a period of frequent new Super Bowl winners. This scenario, last seen from Super Bowl XLIII to Super Bowl 50, was no less exciting or special. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Tom Brady, and the Los Angeles Rams, with Matthew Stafford, have already shown that new champions can emerge. The absence of a clear ruler can lead to unpredictable and thrilling seasons, where any team has a chance to rise to the top. The next few years will determine if we are in for a new dynasty or a prolonged era of intense competition.
