Who are the biggest threats to the Chiefs’ AFC championship defense?

On this week’s mailbag edition of the Arrowhead Pride Laboratory, we were asked to name the biggest AFC threats to the Kansas City Chiefs’ title defense.

Here are the teams:

Pittsburgh Steelers

The only remaining undefeated team in the AFC, the Steelers are winning games in a variety of ways and showing a balanced team. They’re led by an excellent defense with a strong front seven that is good against the run and at affecting the passer. Edge rushers TJ Watt and Bud Dupree each have at least 5.0 sacks on the season. The back end is highlighted by dynamic, play-making defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. They aren’t as offensively imposing as other groups, but they are balanced and have some upside that can’t be taken for granted.

Baltimore Ravens

The Chiefs have handily beat the Lamar Jackson era Ravens in each of the past two meetups. Jackson has yet to beat Mahomes (0-3) and has played some of his worst football against Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. So, why are they a threat?

Because they’re arguably the most talented team in the AFC — and just got better. Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue was just acquired from Minnesota to help improve the pass rush of the Ravens — whose aggressive blitzing did nothing to affect Mahomes in their early-season matchup. The game plan will be different the next time. If the Ravens can get home with a four-man rush like other teams have had success with playing the Chiefs — back=end players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters will be looking to turn the ball over.

Kansas City Chiefs

Craig’s response was simple — the Chiefs are the biggest threat to themselves. If they go out and do what they’re capable of doing, no one in the AFC will be able to take the Lamar Hunt Trophy away from them. The most complete game this team has played was against the Ravens — they’ve flexed their muscles against the best team. That performance hasn’t been consistent throughout the season, but we know what this team has in them. It’s a championship-caliber a team and their best will end in confetti in Tampa Bay.

How to listen to Arrowhead Pride podcasts

Arrowhead Pride podcasts are available on Amazon Alexa, Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher. Please rate and review, as this helps us grow AP Radio to reach more Chiefs fans all over the world!

Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss an episode