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Who can stop the Kansas City Chiefs? We rank the contenders

The 49ers, Ravens, Lions, Bills and Jets - will any of these teams stop the all-conquering Chiefs?

Patrick Mahomes

The new NFL season gets underway on Thursday night with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs looking to make history and become the first team ever to go back-to-back-to-back.

Andy Reid has built a winning machine at Arrowhead and the Chiefs look stronger this year than in the previous two, particularly after strengthening their wide receiver corps with the additions of first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy and Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown. 

They have had defensive issues throughout preseason camp and that could leave them vulnerable in the early weeks but it is going to take a very good side to stop Patrick Mahomes and Co.

The Chiefs are +550 to win the Lombardi Trophy for a third successive time with bet365 (all odds correct at 3pm UK BST on Sep 2)

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So, who can challenge the Chiefs?

The San Francisco 49ers

The obvious choice; Kyle Shanahan’s roster has quality throughout. But that’s not to say it has been a perfect offseason for last season’s Super Bowl runners-up. 

Yes, Brandon Aiyuk finally signed his new deal but talks with tackle Trent Williams continue without any sign of resolution. Williams has been a key man for the 49ers and despite his advancing age, it would be a major blow if he were to miss any time.

Quarterback Brock Purdy continues to divide opinion and his inability to contribute in the rushing game could be a hinderance.

That said, the 49ers will be a contender. 

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Baltimore Ravens

The Chiefs’ opening-night opponents have too much talent not to contend.

Their obvious threat comes on the ground with Lamar Jackson now sharing the backfield with first All-Pro running back Derrick Henry.

Henry’s move over from the Tennessee Titans will give Baltimore another explosive offensive option but they may face issues on defense.

Jadeveon Clowney’s departure for the Carolina Panthers has left the Ravens short in pass rush off the edge and opponents will look to exploit that weakness.

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Detroit Lions

The Lions came within one win of the Super Bowl last season and have had a reasonably smooth summer with most of their offensive starters still in place.

Question marks exist around the defense but DC Aaron Glenn, who was linked with a host of head coach vacancies, remained and will have to mould them into a cohesive unit.

Expect a big season from first-team All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St Brown.

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Buffalo Bills

Any team with Josh Allen under center has be taken seriously. Allen has had four straight seasons with a combined 40 passing and rushing touchdowns and it’s unlikely he won’t reach that mark once again.

Doubts persist at safety while a lot of pressure will be placed on wide receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman following the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

The Bills’ biggest challenge will be to translate their regular season dominance into a successful run in the playoffs.

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New York Jets

Well, we had to throw a wildcard in!

A bit like the Bills, we are basing this selection on the strength of the quarterback. And, although Aaron Rodgers is 40 years of age and coming off a near season-long Achilles injury, we still fancy the former Green Bay Packers star to prove he has plenty left in the tank.

His relationship with wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be key, and the indicators in pre-season suggest there is plenty of chemistry between the pair.

The only negative is a shake-up on the defensive side that may take some weeks to gel. If they find an early groove, and Rodgers can return to his best level, then the Jets could be an outsider to watch.

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Picture of Jon Fisher

Jon Fisher

Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.

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