Hailey
For nearly a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs felt like the permanent owners of the AFC West. Every season seemed to end the same way — Kansas City on top, everyone else chasing. But the 2025 NFL season has finally changed that story.
For the first time in 10 years, the AFC West crown belongs to someone else. This shift has brought new excitement, new questions, and a fresh look at where the division stands without Kansas City leading the way.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and the rest of the AFC West going forward.
How the AFC West Title Was Decided
Two key games changed everything in a single weekend.
- Houston Texans defeated the Chargers 20–17
- Denver Broncos beat the Chiefs 20–13 on Christmas Day
These results officially handed the AFC West title to the Denver Broncos, ending Kansas City’s long run at the top. For fans around the league, it was a reminder that no dynasty lasts forever.
A Historic AFC West Streak Explained
Chiefs and Broncos Dominance
The AFC West has been controlled by just two teams for a long time:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 2010, 2016–2024
- Denver Broncos: 2011–2015, 2025
That makes 16 straight AFC West titles won by either the Chiefs or Broncos. The last team outside these two to win the division was the San Diego Chargers in 2009.
Super Bowl Success
Over the last 15 years:
- 7 Super Bowl appearances
- 4 Super Bowl wins
Most of that success came from either Denver or Kansas City, showing just how powerful these teams have been on the national stage.
Broncos Eye the No. 1 Seed
Denver’s season may not be done making history.
The Broncos can still finish as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, even without playing another snap — as long as:
- New England loses
- Buffalo loses or ties
- Jacksonville loses or ties
If that happens, Denver earns:
- First-round playoff bye
- Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs
This is a huge advantage and puts Denver in a strong position to make a deep postseason run.
Super Bowl Returns to Familiar Ground
There is another interesting twist this season.
The Super Bowl is being held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — the same place where Denver won Super Bowl 50 ten years ago. In two of the last three seasons when Denver won the AFC West, they reached the Super Bowl.
For Broncos fans, this feels more than just a coincidence.
Chargers Face a Tough Road
The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a painful loss against Houston, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud early in the game. That single play outgained what the Chargers managed for much of their previous game.
Playoff Trouble Ahead
Los Angeles is now likely headed for a wild-card road game, possibly against:
- Houston Texans
- Jacksonville Jaguars
This is concerning because Justin Herbert has lost playoff games in both cities before. Playing away from home, in familiar trouble spots, adds extra pressure.
Chiefs Struggle Inside the Division
One of the most surprising stats of the season is Kansas City’s performance against its own division rivals.
Chiefs vs AFC West in 2025
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Division Record | 1–4 |
| Swept by Broncos | Yes |
| Swept by Chargers | Yes |
| First division sweep against KC since | 2014 |
This is the worst AFC West performance for Kansas City in 13 years. If the Chiefs lose to the Raiders in Week 18, it would be their poorest division record since 2013.
What This Means for the AFC West Future
Without Kansas City dominating, the AFC West feels wide open again.
- Denver looks confident and balanced
- Chargers have talent but playoff concerns
- Chiefs face real competition for the first time in years
This season may mark the start of a new era, where no single team controls the division year after year.
The 2025 season has reshaped the AFC West in a big way. For the first time in a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs are not division champions, and the Denver Broncos have stepped back into the spotlight.
With playoff positioning still in play and familiar postseason venues returning, the division feels competitive, unpredictable, and exciting again. Whether this is a one-year shift or the beginning of long-term change, one thing is clear — the AFC West is no longer business as usual.