Don't look now, but the Kansas City Chiefs are in sole possession of last place in the AFC West. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills, who many consider their biggest threat in the conference and league, looked hungry and unshakable. Does this foreshadow a changing of the guard?
Yes, it's only been one game, but the Chiefs falling to 0-1 is a noteworthy trend with multiple eye-opening contextual nuggets. It's the first time they've dropped their regular-season opener while all three of their division foes also prevailed in over two decades. Moreover, this is Kansas City's first time alone at the bottom of the AFC West since post-Week 5 of the 2021 campaign (h/t Josh Dubow, the Associated Press).
Chiefs are alone in last place in AFC West for 1st time since after Week 5 of 2021 season when standings looked like this:
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) September 7, 2025
Chargers 4-1#Raiders 3-2
Broncos 3-2
Chiefs 2-3 https://t.co/4PQ9sYku93
Let's be clear: the sky isn't falling in Kansas City. Nonetheless, small sample size aside, how Week 1 played out is a concerning development for the Chiefs, especially given their current state of affairs. Now isn't the time for fans to cling to the "we have Buffalo's number" mindset, because that narrative could flip on its head come January.
Chiefs have reasons to worry about the Bills claiming AFC supremacy in 2025
Reigning NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills were in their thrilling 41-40 comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. But before the Chiefs can focus on figuring out what Buffalo did so well, they must figure out themselves. What didn't work for Kansas City versus the Los Angeles Chargers, and can it be fixed?
The Chiefs couldn't run the ball effectively when facing an adequate yet not intimidating Chargers front seven in São Paulo, Brazil. Kansas City superstar signal-caller Patrick Mahomes accounted for 57 of their 98 rushing yards on six carries. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt needed 10 attempts to combine for the remaining 41, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy recorded one empty tote.
Speaking of Worthy, he suffered a dislocated shoulder following a friendly fire collision with Travis Kelce. The former was expected to be a critical piece of Kansas City's offense, particularly while fellow Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice served his six-game suspension. Nevertheless, Mahomes' supporting cast could suddenly be severely shorthanded for the foreseeable future.
Defensively, the Chiefs' secondary was an area of weakness heading into their international showdown with the Chargers. The concerns proved true; Kansas City allowed over 300 passing yards, a healthy 11.1 adjusted yards per attempt and an absurdly high 131.7 passer rating. That won't get the job done when Allen and the Bills are on the schedule.
Allen was in midseason form in Buffalo's heavyweight clash with the Ravens. He went 33-for-46 with 394 yards and two touchdowns through the air, adding 30 yards and two more scores on the ground. His heroics led the Bills to an improbable fourth-quarter rally to take down Baltimore, reminding the Chiefs and everyone else that no one is safe.
Buffalo hosts the Chiefs in Week 9 in what might simultaneously be an AFC Championship Game rematch and preview. However, the results are subject to change if the two clubs continue trending in their respective directions.