NFL Conference Championships 2025 preview: Can Kansas City Chiefs achieve immortality?
With just two games remaining before Super Bowl 59, the Kansas City Chiefs stand on the brink of NFL history. Having claimed back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, the Chiefs now seek an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory—a feat no team has ever achieved.
As the AFC’s top seed, Kansas City enjoyed a first-round bye before defeating the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round. Now, they prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s AFC Championship game (6:30 p.m. ET), pitting two of the league’s premier quarterbacks—Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen—against each other once more.
The Chiefs' dominance under Mahomes has been remarkable, reaching the Super Bowl in three of the past four seasons and winning twice. However, this year’s campaign has been marked by gritty performances, with Kansas City narrowly prevailing in several close contests.
Their current streak of 16 consecutive wins in one-score games is an NFL record. Tight end Travis Kelce remains a key player, setting post-season records and proving his mettle in crucial moments, including 117 receiving yards against Houston last week.
Mahomes, speaking ahead of the game, mentioned that him and his teammates will "go out there and give everything we have."
The Buffalo Bills, led by MVP favourite Josh Allen, aim to end their post-season woes against Kansas City, who have eliminated them from the play-offs three times in the past four years. Allen, known for his dual-threat abilities, has elevated his game this season, helping the Bills secure a 13-4 record while ranking as the league’s second-highest scorers.
Buffalo’s resurgence has been bolstered by victories over top teams like Detroit and Kansas City during the regular season. Their Divisional Round win against Baltimore, featuring Allen’s strong performance, sets the stage for a fierce contest against their long-time rivals.
Despite the head-to-head record between Allen and Mahomes standing at 4-4, all of Buffalo’s wins have come in regular-season matchups.
“This could be their year,” said Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada. “I think America wants the Bills to win. They’re tired of Kansas City.”
NFC showdown: Eagles vs. Commanders
Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles face the Washington Commanders in Sunday’s Championship game (3 p.m. ET). Philadelphia, last season’s Super Bowl runners-up, are favourites to return to the big stage, boasting a 14-3 record and an elite rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley.
Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards this season, combined with his standout performance against the Los Angeles Rams last week, make him a central figure in the Eagles’ offence.
However, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been limited in practice due to a knee injury, raising questions about Philadelphia’s offensive strategy against Washington.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have emerged as the play-offs’ surprise package. Under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and new head coach Dan Quinn, Washington turned last season’s 4-13 record into a 12-5 campaign.
Daniels, who was named Rookie of the Year, has impressed with his mobility and efficiency, setting rookie records for rushing yards and pass completion.
Washington’s knack for late-game heroics has fuelled their Cinderella run, with five of their last seven wins decided on the final play. Their victory over top-seeded Detroit in the Divisional Round further solidified their underdog credentials.
“We’re still seen as the underdog, but that generally works in our favour,” Obada said.
Path to Super Bowl 59
As the Chiefs aim for an unprecedented ‘three-peat’ and the Bills seek to end years of heartbreak, Sunday’s AFC Championship promises high drama. Over in the NFC, the Eagles hope to reaffirm their status as title favourites, while the Commanders look to extend their fairytale run.
With history on the line, the final matchups before Super Bowl 59 are set to deliver thrilling contests for NFL fans worldwide.