When a team dominates the NFL the way the Kansas City Chiefs have in recent years, it’s only natural that they become the target of frustration, skepticism, and outright dislike. With Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid leading the charge, the Chiefs are chasing history—a Super Bowl three-peat, a feat never achieved in the modern NFL era.
But as their dynasty grows, so does the hate. Whether it’s their back-to-back Super Bowl wins, controversial officiating calls, or even Taylor Swift’s presence, the Chiefs are the team many fans love to root against.
The Dynasty Effect: Why the Chiefs Are the New Patriots
Success breeds contempt, and the Chiefs have had plenty of it:
- Three Super Bowl wins in five years (2019, 2022, 2023)
- Six AFC Championship Game appearances in seven years
- Mahomes’ growing legend as the NFL’s golden boy
This dominance reminds fans of the New England Patriots era, where Tom Brady and Bill Belichick ruled the league and sparked widespread resentment. Just like then, many fans are tired of seeing the same team win again and again.
Referee Favoritism? The Controversial Calls Fuel the Fire
Many critics believe the Chiefs get special treatment from referees—similar to past accusations against Brady and the Patriots.
Texans vs. Chiefs: A Recent Example
During Kansas City’s divisional playoff win against the Houston Texans, two crucial penalties helped Mahomes and Co. extend drives:
- Will Anderson’s roughing the passer penalty – A light hit on Mahomes kept a drive alive.
- Henry To’oTo’o’s unnecessary roughness penalty – A late slide by Mahomes resulted in another flag.
After the game, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans voiced frustration, saying:
“We knew coming into this game it was us versus everybody.”
While the NFL defended the calls, many fans and analysts, including Troy Aikman, believed they were ticky-tack penalties.
The conspiracy theory? Mahomes gets the “Brady treatment”—the benefit of close calls in crucial moments.
Is Mahomes Really Getting Special Treatment?
Mahomes is a master of deception on the field. His ability to pump-fake, extend plays, and force defenders into hesitation is part of what makes him great.
However, the Chiefs don’t always get the calls.
- Kadarius Toney’s offsides penalty against the Buffalo Bills earlier this season cost them a win, leaving Mahomes furious on the sidelines.
- Unlike Brady, Mahomes frequently scrambles, making it harder for referees to judge when he’s truly in a vulnerable position.
The reality? Fans just hate seeing the same team win and will always look for reasons to doubt their dominance.
Is the NFL Just Sick of the Chiefs?
Even NFL players are joining in on the anti-Chiefs movement.
Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey Speaks for the Haters
Baltimore Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, whose team lost to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, openly admitted his bias on social media:
“I have no reason of saying this other than being a hater. The Bills or whatever NFC team gotta beat the Chiefs. We can’t let them keep getting away with this.”
This kind of public disdain shows just how much the Chiefs’ dominance annoys even other players in the league.
Taylor Swift & The “New Demographic” Factor
The Chiefs’ popularity isn’t just about football anymore. With Travis Kelce dating pop superstar Taylor Swift, the team has attracted a whole new audience.
NFL broadcasts frequently highlight Swift in the crowd, which has irritated some traditional football fans. However, the league’s ratings have skyrocketed, with Swift’s presence boosting viewership among casual and first-time fans.
For some die-hard NFL fans, this crossover into pop culture territory is another reason to root against the Chiefs.
The Chiefs: The New “America’s Team” (To Hate)
Despite all the negativity, the Chiefs are still the biggest draw in the NFL.
- Chiefs vs. Bills (November 2024): 31.2 million viewers – the most-watched regular-season game (excluding holiday games) since 2007.
- Chiefs vs. Steelers (Christmas Day): 24.1 million viewers on Netflix – one of the most-streamed NFL games ever.
Kansas City has even surpassed the Dallas Cowboys as the most-watched team in the league. However, just like the Cowboys, they have become the team that America loves to hate.
As the Chiefs prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, the storyline isn’t just about Mahomes vs. Josh Allen. It’s about whether anyone can finally dethrone the Chiefs.
While Buffalo fans desperately hope this is their time, the bigger picture is clear:
- The Chiefs have earned their place in history
- Hate comes with dominance
- They are the new NFL dynasty
For now, the NFL world watches with hope or frustration, wondering if the Chiefs will continue their reign—or if Buffalo can finally take them down.
