Tiering the AFC by who the Chiefs should fear the most

Arrowhead Pride's Nate Christensen tiered the Kansas City Chiefs' AFC rivals five weeks into the season based on their threat level. The writer identifies the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens as Tier 1 contenders capable of winning the conference. Christensen ranks Buffalo as the scariest opposing threat due to quarterback Josh Allen and an explosive offense, while noting defensive backfield concerns.

Tier 2 teams that could win playoff games include the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans. The writer considers the Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Jets to be competitive regular-season teams in Tier 3. Christensen places the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Tennessee Titans in the lowest tier of non-threats.