Is the Chiefs’ dynasty good or bad for the NFL? The answer seems obvious, but it’s a conversation that continues to circulate—especially given the growing perception that the NFL’s famed parity is declining. Kansas City has not stacked the deck like a superteam; instead, they’ve built their dynasty the traditional way—with a generational quarterback, a Hall of Fame coach, and a shrewd front office.
Yet, public sentiment leads some to believe they’re gaming the system. We often forget that dominating teams are not a new phenomenon in the NFL. Just a few years ago, Tom Brady and the Patriots drew disdain akin to what the Chiefs face today; before that, the Cowboys, 49ers, and Steelers endured similar backlash. History shows that dominance breeds resentment, turning successful teams into villains. The Chiefs are merely the latest to face the backlash that comes with being at the top.
This “Chiefs Derangement Syndrome” arises from recency bias and exhaustion, with some arguing that Kansas City is more detrimental to the sport than New England ever was—that they are too dominant, too annoying, too inevitable. But is the NFL genuinely worse off because of their success? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, the league is thriving, built on the principles of dominance, villains, and compelling storylines. The idea that the Chiefs are ruining parity is laughable; they aren’t cheating the system—they’re simply better.
The result? The highest-rated games of the season, including the most-watched AFC Championship Game in history. To claim the Chiefs are bad for the league is to ignore the numbers; the NFL profits off their success, driven by hate-watching, detailed dissection of their performances, and the ongoing speculation of when their reign might end. The reality is, the Chiefs epitomize what the NFL is today—you don’t have to be a fan to acknowledge you’re watching.
But not everyone enjoys their dominance. Many fans express frustration over the apparent lack of competitive balance, feeling that it’s only a matter of time before Kansas City claims yet another Lombardi trophy. This consistent success can breed apathy, as fans of other teams realize that no matter how well constructed their roster is, the Chiefs are often seen as inevitable.
So, while the Chiefs’ dynasty certainly brings in viewers, it doesn’t delight everyone. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the NFL; a significant portion of its audience sees Kansas City’s success as a catalyst for disinterest. If fans can predict the outcome before the season starts, the excitement wanes. Nevertheless, that doesn’t make the Chiefs detrimental to the NFL. Instead of purporting parity, we watch the NFL for the spectacle it creates. As long as the Chiefs continue to elevate the league—even if some fans root against them—they play an integral role in the NFL’s current stature.
