The most underappreciated rivalry in each NFL division
By John Buhler
AFC West: Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The rivalry between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs dates back to the founding of the AFL in 1960. Though the Chiefs were originally knows as the Dallas Texans, these two organizations have been some of the best in the AFC historically. With five Super Bowl championships between them, you wouldn’t be wrong.
These rivals have met 120 times over the years. Though the Chiefs hold a slight 65-55 lead over the Broncos, Denver has the lone playoff victory in this rivalry series. Interestingly, neither franchise has ever been done for extended stretches at the same time. Outside of the AFL years and the years following Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have been a very well run organization.
Kansas City was a dominant AFL franchise, but fell on hard times in the 1970s and 1980s. With a handful of down years sprinkled in between, the Chiefs have been mostly good for the last 30 years or so. Kansas City is the reigning dynasty in the AFC West, the Broncos being the one that previously preceded it.
Though both clubs have their issues with the Silver and Black, it’s always interesting when the Broncos take on the Chiefs at their respective venues. Whether it’s at Arrowhead or at Mile High, these two iconic brands of the AFC have rabid fanbases and ones who give us some of the best home-field advantages in football. Though it’s not Chiefs/Raiders, this rivalry holds its own.