For two straight seasons, we have seen the Chiefs dominate the AFC and represent them in the Super Bowl, going on to win each edition. This is even though we have been regularly told that Patrick Mahomes' conference is harder to come out of because all the great quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow are there. Yet, Andy Reid's team seems unbeatable.
But appearing with Kay Adams on her show, NFL reporter James Palmer highlighted another team that is most likely to compete with the reigning Super Bowl champions in the AFC this year. And he thinks it is going to be the Houston Texans over the likes of the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.
He said the reason he believes the Texans are most likely to succeed is down to how well they have built on both sides of the ball, claiming,
"We can't put anybody in that until we start playing games, but they're, they're built to do it. Okay. They really are. I think they're, they're built to do it because of where they're at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball."
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He namechecked C.J. Stroud as leading the offense behind a very good offensive line. He also added Denico Autry's addition as something of a coup that will help them improve on their weaknesses from last season. Palmer continued,
"Like C.J. walked into a really good situation with a good offensive line with a lot of emphasis on what they do with that offensive line, and how their offense is developed. And then the defensive line like Denico Autry, I think, is a really sneaky pick by any team in football this year."
Dark horses that could upset the Chiefs and other contenders in AFC
While the likes of the Texans, Ravens, Bengals, and Bills are also expected to compete for the Chiefs' crown as the AFC champions this year, there are some other dark horses too.
Russell Wilson could find his mojo in a team led by perennial winner Mike Tomlin. The Steelers cannot be discounted. The Jets could get a full season from Aaron Rodgers at his best and then they will definitely be contenders. The Dolphins trailed off towards the end last season but anyone with Tyreek Hill always has a chance.
What seems certain, though, is that the AFC will again have some of the best teams on their side of the conference and should serve us a treat in the 2024 NFL season.
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