Tom Brady is seemingly hopping onto an AFC West team’s bandwagon heading into the playoffs.
On Thursday, the former New England Patriots quarterback/Fox analyst revealed his latest power rankings. He listed the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) No. 1, ahead of the Detroit Lions (15-2), Buffalo Bills (13-4), Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) and Minnesota Vikings (14-3).
“Of course, the top spot in my power rankings goes to the Kansas City Chiefs,” Brady said. “Another incredible season from [head coach] Andy Reid and [quarterback] Patrick Mahomes. They won a franchise-record 15 games, and how about [defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s] defense? Ranking top five in scoring for a second year in a row.”
The Chiefs lost 38-0 to the Denver Broncos in Week 18, but they rested most of their starters, including Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
Kansas City clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, giving them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a bye during Super Wild Card Weekend. Since Mahomes became the Chiefs’ starting QB in 2018, Kansas City is 10-2 in home playoff games.
KC’s defense — which finished fourth in the league in points allowed (19.2 PPG) — hid its lack of offensive firepower throughout the regular season. The Chiefs ranked 15th in points scored (22.6).
However, the Chiefs continue to find ways to win nail-biters, which could benefit them in the playoffs. In the regular season, KC went 11-0 in one-possession games.
As of Thursday, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives KC the third-best Super Bowl LIX odds (11.9 percent). If the Chiefs hoist another Lombardi Trophy, they’ll become the first team to win three straight titles in the Super Bowl era.
It’s easy to see why Brady — a seven-time Super Bowl champion — seems to like their chances.
