Former quarterback and current NFL announcer Tom Brady. Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Tom Brady reveals his No. 1 team before start of playoffs

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 5:10 PM ET

Tom Brady is seemingly hopping onto an AFC West team's bandwagon heading into the playoffs.

On Thursday, the former New England Patriots quarterback/Fox analyst revealed his latest power rankings. He listed the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) No. 1, ahead of the Detroit Lions (15-2), Buffalo Bills (13-4), Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) and Minnesota Vikings (14-3).

"Of course, the top spot in my power rankings goes to the Kansas City Chiefs," Brady said. "Another incredible season from [head coach] Andy Reid and [quarterback] Patrick Mahomes. They won a franchise-record 15 games, and how about [defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's] defense? Ranking top five in scoring for a second year in a row."

Here is @TomBrady's final top 5 power rankings before the playoffs! pic.twitter.com/29U4C2Dm1q
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 9, 2025

The Chiefs lost 38-0 to the Denver Broncos in Week 18, but they rested most of their starters, including Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.

Kansas City clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, giving them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a bye during Super Wild Card Weekend. Since Mahomes became the Chiefs' starting QB in 2018, Kansas City is 10-2 in home playoff games.

KC's defense — which finished fourth in the league in points allowed (19.2 PPG) — hid its lack of offensive firepower throughout the regular season. The Chiefs ranked 15th in points scored (22.6).

However, the Chiefs continue to find ways to win nail-biters, which could benefit them in the playoffs. In the regular season, KC went 11-0 in one-possession games.

As of Thursday, ESPN's Football Power Index gives KC the third-best Super Bowl LIX odds (11.9 percent). If the Chiefs hoist another Lombardi Trophy, they'll become the first team to win three straight titles in the Super Bowl era.

It's easy to see why Brady — a seven-time Super Bowl champion — seems to like their chances.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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