The Kansas City Chiefs have once again found themselves near the top of preseason projections, as ESPN’s latest Football Power Index (FPI) rankings place the reigning champions second overall, reinforcing expectations for another deep postseason run. The FPI’s high placement of the Chiefs not only reflects their proven dominance over recent seasons, but also sets the stage for what many analysts believe could be a Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2026.
Entering the 2025 NFL season, the Chiefs are riding a wave of unprecedented success, having won back-to-back Super Bowls and three titles in five years under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Their consistent excellence, offensive firepower, and championship pedigree continue to make them the league’s gold standard, and ESPN’s FPI model reinforces just how formidable they remain despite roster turnover and fierce competition across the AFC.
The index, which factors in team efficiency, strength of schedule, returning personnel, and performance projections, gives Kansas City one of the highest probabilities of reaching — and winning — the Super Bowl. Even with the departure of key veterans and the ongoing effort to rebuild depth at wide receiver and offensive line, the Chiefs’ core remains intact. Mahomes is entering his prime with two MVPs and an unparalleled postseason résumé, while Travis Kelce, though in the later stage of his career, continues to defy age as the team’s emotional and strategic centerpiece.
The 2025 offseason saw Kansas City make several strategic moves to shore up its defense and widen Mahomes’ receiving options. The front office invested in both youth and experience, adding versatile playmakers through the draft and free agency while extending contracts for cornerstone defenders like Chris Jones and Nick Bolton. ESPN’s model also accounts for the return of a top-five defense — a development that has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ recent postseason success.
Perhaps most intriguing is the FPI’s implied forecast of a Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl rematch — a narrative-rich possibility given the drama of their clash in Super Bowl LVII and the elite trajectory both franchises are on. The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a stacked roster, pose the greatest threat to Kansas City’s crown. A rematch would not only ignite fan excitement, but also mark the first time since the 1990s that two teams have squared off in two Super Bowls within a three-year span.
Internally, the Chiefs have embraced the challenge of maintaining greatness amid heightened expectations. In interviews during offseason workouts, Mahomes has emphasized the need for humility and hunger. “We know we have a target on our backs,” he said. “Every team is going to give us their best shot, and we have to be better — sharper — than ever before.” That mindset, combined with Reid’s steady leadership and a culture of accountability, continues to give Kansas City an edge even as rivals reload.
The FPI’s projections have also fueled conversation about Mahomes’ growing legacy. With each playoff run, he inches closer to the territory of all-time legends like Tom Brady and Joe Montana. A third straight Super Bowl title — something no team has accomplished in the modern era — would place him in a league of his own, further redefining the modern quarterback standard.
Still, challenges await. The AFC is loaded with contenders, from the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills to rising powers like the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals. Navigating that gauntlet won’t be easy, and the margin for error grows slimmer with each passing year. Injuries, inconsistency, and emerging threats could disrupt the Chiefs’ quest, and ESPN’s FPI — while bullish — doesn’t guarantee results.
For now, however, the numbers don’t lie: Kansas City remains among the NFL’s most elite franchises, with a battle-tested roster, generational talent at quarterback, and a coach who continues to evolve the game. If the FPI’s forecast holds true, fans may be treated to another thrilling Super Bowl showdown — one that could further etch the Chiefs’ dynasty into NFL history.