Looking at the AFC landscape, it appears that the Kansas City Chiefs have two familiar foes when it comes to threats for the top seed in the conference. The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens appear to have the best rosters to make a run at what has been Kansas City's consistent spot, including leaving both teams in the dust in the 2024 season to grab the spot well before the season ended. Still, both franchises deserve a close eye, and that is especially the case with the teams poised to meet in Week 1.
The good news for the Chiefs is the fact that this is going to result in one loss for a wishful rival. Neither Lamar Jackson nor Josh Allen has been able to beat the Chiefs in a game that actually mattered. Something that has defined both player's careers and continues to add to the greatness of the Chiefs. With this in mind, the matchup is of special interest to KC fans and will have a surprising advantage for Buffalo.
#Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, who is recovering nicely from a broken bone in his foot, is not expected to play in the team’s opener against the #Bills, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2025
Likely underwent surgery in late July and is healing as expected. He should be ready early in the season. pic.twitter.com/dwVF3wKij3
Chiefs Wishful Rivals Set to Meet in Week 1 With Ravens Missing Key Piece
Ian Rapoport reported that Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely is still recovering from a foot fracture and will miss the first week of the season. Jackson will be without an important weapon in one of Baltimore's most difficult games of the year. Kansas City fans remember the pass catcher from last season's opener when Likely's toe was out of bounds, denying Baltimore's comeback hopes. It was a moment that helped set the tone for an incredible run of games from the Chiefs.
For Likely, this isn't unexpected with the injury being one the team was expected to be extremely careful with heading into the year. While the Ravens are in an incredibly talented division, you have the advantage of having the best defense and quarterback. Baltimore has no reason to push for Likely's return, but should continue to allow all of the needed time.
With that said, it does provide an undeniable advantage for the Bills, who are coming off a playoff victory over Baltimore. One that in many ways did the Chiefs a giant favor at the time. Kansas City matched up better against Buffalo than Baltimore and was spared having to figure out a way to beat the tougher matchup. Still, you never want to see either of these two teams win, and sadly for the Chiefs, this is inevitable in Week 1.
The Chiefs will have a far easier slate, being able to start the season against Jim Harbaugh's Chargers. While Los Angeles always plays Kansas City tough, they lack anywhere close to the talent of the Bills or Ravens. Two teams that have long been chasing the Chiefs and are yet to catch up.
Sunday's matchup will offer another chance to watch the two wishful rivals and see if the Bills can take advantage of this injury and get off to a start that gives the Chiefs a real challenge for the AFC's top seed.