The Buffalo Bills’ dominant 30-21 victory over the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 sent shockwaves through the NFL. This upset triggered a league-wide debate: Who is the best team in the AFC? Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe offered a surprising answer.
Shannon Sharpe attends ESPN First Take at Clark Atlanta University on November 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images. Shannon Sharpe at ESPN’s First Take.
The AFC’s Top Contender: An Unexpected Pick
The Chiefs, at 9-0, were the consensus top team in the AFC before their loss to the Bills. However, Sharpe argued against both the Bills and the Chiefs as the conference’s best, instead making a case for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sharpe’s Steelers Argument
On ESPN’s First Take, Sharpe explained his reasoning: “I’m not so sure it’s not the Pittsburgh Steelers, considering how they play defense and how they neutralized the Baltimore Ravens’ offense.” He highlighted the Steelers’ defensive prowess and their ability to make crucial plays in pivotal moments. Sharpe also emphasized their strong coaching and disciplined play, stating, “They’re well-coached, they don’t beat themselves.”
Head coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills and head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs shake hands prior to a game between the Buffalo B…
Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images. Coaches Sean McDermott and Andy Reid before the Bills vs. Chiefs game.
Rex Ryan’s Counterargument: The Bills’ Dominance
Former Bills head coach Rex Ryan vehemently disagreed with Sharpe’s assessment. Ryan asserted that Buffalo’s impressive win over Kansas City, even without key offensive players like Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman, solidified their position as the AFC’s top team. He stated, “Two of [Buffalo’s] best receivers weren’t even in that game and they still hung 30 points up against this great Chiefs defense. It’s got to be Buffalo.”
Allen vs. Mahomes: Ryan’s Perspective
Ryan also argued that Josh Allen’s performance puts him on par with Patrick Mahomes, despite Allen’s previous playoff losses to the Chiefs. “Josh Allen has never been beaten by Patrick Mahomes – his team has but not Josh Allen,” Ryan claimed, highlighting Allen’s individual brilliance.
James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates his touchdown with teammates against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Highmark Sta…
Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images. James Cook celebrates a touchdown against the Chiefs.
The AFC Playoff Picture: A Tight Race
The debate over the AFC’s best team underscores the conference’s competitive landscape. While the Bills’ victory propelled them into the conversation, the Chiefs’ prior dominance and the Steelers’ consistent performance make for a compelling race to the playoffs. Determining the true top contender will likely require further evaluation as the season progresses. Sharpe’s unexpected endorsement of the Steelers adds another layer of intrigue to this already captivating AFC season.
