The Kansas City Chiefs are like Thanos with all six Infinity Stones. But as they chase this three-peat, a former Chief drops something, that in all fairness, is more surprising than a successful Philly Special. A new contender, meanwhile, is also on the rise faster than Patrick Mahomes’ spiral.

“The biggest THREAT for the Chiefs is the Chiefs,” LeSean McCoy declared on “Speak,” that the team’s kryptonite might be lurking in their locker room – the Super Bowl champ who helped KC break their 50-year championship drought.

McCoy’s hot take comes as Andy Reid’s squad aims to make history. “Last year was the worst I’ve ever seen the Chiefs look,” he said. “It’s the worst I ever seen Andy Reid’s offense ever look.” Yet, despite this “off” year, Kansas City still hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

The Chiefs’ biggest challenge? Living up to their legend. With Patrick Mahomes throwing touchdowns like he’s playing pitch-and-catch (219 in 7 seasons) and Travis Kelce catching everything but a cold, KC’s toughest opponent might be the mirror.

While McCoy dismisses other contenders, including Joe Burrow’s Bengals, analyst Joy Taylor isn’t so quick to count Cincy out. “The Bengals are up there,” Taylor argued. “We have the evidence of the Bengals being able to beat the Chiefs.” It’s a debate hotter than Kansas City barbecue sauce.

Is CJ Stroud and the Texans the new Bengals on the block

As the Chiefs battle their greatness, a dark horse emerges from the Lone Star State. The Houston Texans, led by rookie sensation CJ Stroud, are following a playbook that’s giving the Chiefs Kingdom déjà vu.

Ric Bucher broke it down on “Speak”: “The Texans have taken the model that the Bengals utilize to be a threat to the Kansas City Chiefs and are now chasing that same thing.” It’s like Houston found Cincinnati’s secret recipe and added some Texas spice.

The Texans are following the Bengals’ blueprint: a young, talented QB on a rookie contract, surrounded by offensive weapons and a solid defense. With Stroud’s impressive rookie campaign (4,108 yards, 23 TDs), the addition of speed demon Stefon Diggs, and the retention of offensive mastermind Bobby Slowik, the Texans are cooking up a recipe that smells suspiciously like success.

Emmanuel Acho doubled down: “The DNA what y’all are talking about with the Bengals, I agree with. I think the Houston Texans should be considered the biggest threat.”

Former NFL receiver Greg Jennings even called the Texans a “sleeping giant.” “It’s not a stretch to say that they’re going to win that division and play some home games,” Jennings said last month on The Carton Show. The Texans aren’t just building a team; they’re crafting a potential Chiefs killer that could make Arrowhead Stadium quieter than a library during finals week.

Analyst Nick Wright too pointed out the similarities between the Texans and the 2021 Bengals, who famously gave the Chiefs more headaches than a cheap tequila hangover. “They can do win-now stuff that doesn’t hurt them long-term because CJ’s so cheap over the next three years,” Wright explained on First Things First back in February. It’s like the Texans found the cheat code to build a contender in Madden NFL.

As the 2024 season looms, the Chiefs might be facing an internal battle against complacency, while CJ Stroud and the Texans are gearing up to crash the AFC party. And let’s not forget Joe Burrow, who confidently stated on the New Heights podcast recently, “I think we’re built to beat them.”

In this NFL chess match, the Chiefs might be the kings, but the Texans are moving pieces like Bobby Fischer with a chip on his shoulder. Buckle up, football fans. This season promises more twists than a pretzel factory, and we’re here for every snap, crackle, and pop.