There’s no doubt about it in Tony Gonzalez’s mind — the Kansas City Chiefs are the team to beat.
The Chiefs will open up the regular season against their biggest rivals — and arguably their biggest threat — in the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. They’ll not only begin their title defense, but they’ll aim to become the first team in NFL history to three-peat.
While injuries typically impact any team’s season, Gonzalez firmly believes the Chiefs are the favorites for the Super Bowl as the season begins.
“I think so,” Gonzalez says in a one-on-one interview when asked if the Chiefs are the Super Bowl favorites. “Anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves or just being contrary. The Chiefs have improved from last year, especially on offense. Patrick Mahomes is set for an MVP-caliber year if the team stays healthy. With rookie Xavier Worthy from Texas, the speedy Hollywood Brown, and still having Travis Kelce and Isaiah Pacheco, everything is set for Mahomes to have his best season since his last MVP year. Plus, with Chris Jones anchoring the defense, they are clearly my top pick for the Super Bowl.”
The Ravens will pose a significant challenge, as they return mostly the same core group but now have four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry joining them. Baltimore is expected to benefit from having one of the league’s top running backs, particularly since they’ve had difficulty against the Mahomes-led Chiefs since both quarterbacks entered the league. Lamar Jackson is 1-4 against Mahomes, including a loss in the AFC Championship Game last year following Jackson’s second MVP award.
Gonzalez, who serves as an analyst for Amazon Prime, sheds light on why the Ravens struggle against the Chiefs.
“There’s something about Patrick Mahomes and his chemistry with Andy Reid that creates a unique impact,” Gonzalez explains. “In the first quarter, they might struggle as they figure things out. By the second quarter, they’re still adjusting. But by the third quarter, they make key adjustments and start to find their rhythm. In the fourth quarter, that’s when Mahomes becomes legendary.”
Mahomes’ ability to separate himself from other elite or great quarterbacks in crunch time — he did it when he led the Chiefs from a three-point deficit in overtime in Super Bowl LVIII to win the game — is what already puts him in the greatest ever conversation as he enters only his eighth season.
“This is why he’s in the conversation already as the best ever,” says Gonzalez. “You say to yourself, ‘Wait a second, Tom just retired.’ Well, this kid could potentially be better because of what he does. The same thing that Tom did to the great ones such as Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, etc. They start to figure things out. That’s what separates someone like Dak Prescott, who’s great during the regular season. Once you hit the playoffs, it’s a whole different level. You have to up your game and go to that next level. And the Chiefs have not just Patrick, it’s Travis Kelce. Look at him last year, his regular season made you think, “Uh-oh, he’s falling off.” Then you get to the playoffs, bam, back to the same guy. That’s what makes guy legendary. That’s what makes guys Hall of Famers.”
Despite Baltimore’s challenges in overcoming the AFC and NFL powerhouse, Gonzalez still considers them the greatest threat to Kansas City.
“I would say Baltimore,” Gonzalez states regarding the Chiefs’ biggest threat. “Baltimore is very strong, especially now that they have Derrick Henry, which will help them run the ball effectively in the red zone. Defending against them will be tough, and I’m pleased to see Henry join a contender because he’s an exceptional all-around player. He now has a chance to potentially win it all this year. I believe they are the only team that could beat the Chiefs in the playoffs.”
Gonzalez also identifies the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons as NFC teams that could potentially challenge the Chiefs’ dominance in the NFL.
The Hall of Fame tight end and Chiefs legend is discussing his collaboration with Crown Royal. As the NFL’s official whisky partner, Crown Royal is hosting a special sweepstakes offering fans a chance to win tickets to Super Bowl LIX. Gonzalez will kick off the sweepstakes by making a toast at the Chiefs’ home opener against the Ravens on Thursday
.The celebrations will include an 18-wheeler named the “Royal Rig,” which will visit 10 cities across the country during the season. Fans can enter the sweepstakes by registering on Crown Royal’s official website or through Instagram on social media.
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