The five teams best positioned to take over AFC supremacy from the Chiefs

The book may not be closed on the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty, but Week 15's series of catastrophic events confirmed that the first chapter is coming to an end. 

As if officially missing the postseason for the first time since 2014 wasn’t a big enough blow, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL on the game’s final drive. Mahomes will now face an uphill climb to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and his uncertain status could have an impact on the future of veterans Chris Jones and Travis Kelce. 

While any team with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes has the potential to be dangerous, the prospect of a Mahomes-less season and a roster already running on fumes will open the door for other AFC teams to gain the upper hand over the next two seasons. Here are the teams best positioned to take the mantle from the Chiefs.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

While the Chargers' 2025 title hopes have been decimated by injuries to both of their star offensive tackles, they are in an enviable position headed into 2026. The additions of rookies Omarion Hampton and Oronde Gadsden have given quarterback Justin Herbert more weapons to work with, and a functional offensive line will help maximize one of the best deep-ball throwers in the NFL. While the defense doesn’t have the same level of talent, any unit coached by Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter will be a challenge for opposing offenses, especially if they can keep safety Derwin James healthy. Even though they have gone a combined 3-0 against the Chiefs and Denver Broncos this season, they still need to prove they can get over the playoff hump for the first time in Herbert’s career to solidify their place inside the AFC’s inner circle. 

4. Houston Texans

There is no question that the Texans have a championship-level defense. The unit has gotten better in each of head coach DeMeco Ryans’ three years and leads the league in both points and yards allowed. Every concern about the Texans' potential to reach their first-ever Super Bowl surrounds their offense. After a significant sophomore slump, Stroud has looked much closer to his rookie year self but has still battled through injuries and inconsistencies. The offensive line remains a work in progress, and the receiving core is still limited outside of Nico Collins. The Texans don’t need to have a top-five offense to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but it may take another offseason of reinforcements to get them where they need to be. 

3. Buffalo Bills 

No team is celebrating the Chiefs' demise more than the Bills, who have been eliminated by their arch-rivals in four of the last five postseasons. Yet while the Bills will have more experience than any of their AFC playoff opponents, they may also have the weakest overall roster. Their middle-of-the-pack defense has allowed the league’s third-most rushing yards, and their receiving core lacks a number one or even a number two receiver. Still, the presence of prime Josh Allen and James Cook alone makes the Bills a dangerous out in January, and their 7-1 record against non-Chiefs opponents in the last five postseasons provides hope that this can finally be the year the Bills return to the Super Bowl.