Super Bowl Loss 'Won't Diminish' Chiefs' as Contenders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Feb 14, 2025 12:13 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs fell just short of creating history in the Super Bowl, losing devastatingly to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22.

In a game that was so one-sided, some fear what that might do to the Chiefs moving forward, but if you have put money into Kansas City stock, don't sell just yet.

Yes, the Super Bowl loss was an eye-opener for a host of reasons, but let's not forget that Patrick Mahomes hasn't hit 30 years of age yet, so as long as No. 15 is upright, the Chiefs have a shot (just not in the Super Bowl).

As such, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who put all 32 NFL teams into 2025 tiers, still has the Chiefs as "major contenders" heading into next year.

"One game won't diminish Kansas City's presence -- thanks to five Super Bowl appearances and three Lombardi Trophies in six years -- as the gold standard in modern football," Fowler writes. "But Sunday's ugly Super Bowl loss shook Kansas City to its core and highlighted the shortcomings of a team that greatly overachieved in 2024. How it pulled off 17 wins, including the playoffs, is a testament to the franchise's culture of greatness."

The Chiefs didn't blow anyone away with their dazzling offense in 2024, but more so a dogged display that often played to Steve Spagunolo's elite defense.

But the downside of that is if the offense can't get anything rolling, as was the case in the Super Bowl, the defense is forced to be on the field for prolonged periods, and it doesn't matter how good a defense is if it is on the field for long enough, they will concede points.

There are needs to be addressed, with the offensive and defensive lines, the most pressing and maybe tight end, with Travis Kelce pondering retirement, but don't let one game blind you from what has been built.

Yes, the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl, but in 2025, they will still be the ones to beat.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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