The Biggest Current Rival for Every AFC Team

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, July 17th 2025 at 20:31 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The conference has seen some epic confrontations over recent years, highlighted by the Steelers and Ravens, and the Bills and Chiefs.

The landscape of rivalries in the AFC (American Football Conference) is a dynamic and evolving narrative, shaped by historical matchups, recent competitive encounters, and the ever-changing rosters of NFL teams. As of the 2025 season, each of the 16 AFC teams has a primary rival that stands out due to a combination of geographic proximity, playoff implications, and intense on-field battles. This summary explores the biggest current rival for every AFC team, delving into the reasons behind these rivalries and the key factors that fuel their intensity.

Starting with the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills find their fiercest competition in the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Bills have a storied history with divisional foes like the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, their recent rivalry with the Chiefs has taken center stage. This matchup has been defined by high-stakes playoff games and the clash of two elite quarterbacks, with both teams vying for AFC supremacy. The Chiefs have often been a roadblock for the Bills in their quest for a Super Bowl, making every encounter a must-watch event filled with tension and anticipation.

For the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots remain the primary rival, even as the Patriots undergo a rebuilding phase. This rivalry is rooted in decades of divisional battles, with the Dolphins often playing the role of underdog against a historically dominant Patriots franchise. Despite changes in team dynamics, the geographic proximity and the passionate fan bases ensure that this matchup retains its edge, with Miami looking to capitalize on New England’s transitional period to assert dominance in the AFC East.

The New England Patriots, in turn, still view the New York Jets as their biggest rival. This rivalry is fueled by a long history of competitive games and the shared struggle for relevance in a post-dynasty era for the Patriots. Both teams are in the midst of rebuilding efforts, but the animosity between the fan bases and the desire to claim bragging rights in the AFC East keep this rivalry alive. Games between these two teams are often gritty, hard-fought battles that reflect the intensity of their historical disdain for one another.

Rounding out the AFC East, the New York Jets also see the Patriots as their top rival. The Jets have long been in the shadow of New England’s success, and every game against the Patriots is an opportunity to prove their worth. This rivalry is less about recent playoff implications and more about pride and the chance to upset a historic powerhouse, even as both teams navigate their respective challenges in the current NFL landscape.

Moving to the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens consider the Pittsburgh Steelers their biggest rival. This matchup is one of the most storied in the NFL, characterized by physical, hard-hitting football and a mutual disdain that transcends generations. The Ravens and Steelers often compete for the top spot in their division, and their games are pivotal in determining playoff seeding. The intensity of this rivalry is amplified by the close proximity of the two cities and the passionate fan bases that rally behind their teams with unwavering loyalty.

Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers view the Ravens as their primary adversary. The history of close games, defensive battles, and critical divisional implications ensures that this rivalry remains at the forefront of Steelers’ fans minds. Both teams have a deep respect for each other’s toughness, but that respect is matched by a fierce desire to come out on top in every encounter, making their matchups some of the most anticipated of the season.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns have emerged as a significant rival, particularly due to the “Battle of Ohio.” This in-state rivalry is fueled by geographic proximity and the shared history of competitive games. While the Bengals have had success against other AFC North teams, their matchups with the Browns often carry extra weight for fans, who see these games as a chance to claim state supremacy. The rivalry has grown in intensity as both teams strive to establish themselves as contenders in a tough division.

The Cleveland Browns, in turn, also see the Bengals as their top rival. The “Battle of Ohio” is a point of pride for both fan bases, and the games are often unpredictable, with momentum swinging wildly. For the Browns, beating the Bengals is not just about divisional standings but also about asserting dominance in their home state, making this rivalry a key focus each season.

In the AFC South, the Houston Texans view the Indianapolis Colts as their biggest rival. This divisional matchup has gained prominence as both teams have shown flashes of potential in recent years. The Texans and Colts often find themselves in direct competition for the division title, and their games are critical in shaping the playoff picture. The rivalry is further fueled by the relatively young history between the two franchises, with each team eager to establish a legacy of dominance over the other.

The Indianapolis Colts reciprocate this rivalry, seeing the Texans as their primary foe in the AFC South. With both teams boasting young talent and aspirations for postseason success, their matchups are often high-stakes affairs. The Colts aim to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in the division, while the Texans look to solidify their position as a rising force, ensuring that this rivalry remains heated for years to come.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans stand out as the biggest rival. This rivalry has deep roots in the early days of both franchises, when they were part of the same division during the AFL-NFL merger era. Despite changes in divisional alignments, the animosity between the Jaguars and Titans persists, with both teams often fighting for relevance in the AFC South. Their games are marked by a sense of urgency, as each side looks to gain an edge in a division that has often been up for grabs.

The Tennessee Titans, similarly, view the Jaguars as a key rival, though their matchups with the Colts also carry significant weight. The history between the Titans and Jaguars, combined with the competitive nature of their games, keeps this rivalry alive. For the Titans, beating the Jaguars is a chance to assert their physical style of play and maintain their standing in a division that is increasingly competitive.

In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos see the Kansas City Chiefs as their biggest rival. The Chiefs’ recent dominance in the division and the league at large has intensified this matchup, with the Broncos desperate to reclaim their place among the AFC elite. The geographic proximity and the history of competitive games add to the stakes, making every Broncos-Chiefs game a battle for divisional pride and relevance.

The Kansas City Chiefs, while having multiple rivals due to their success, often point to the Las Vegas Raiders as their primary adversary. This rivalry is steeped in history, dating back to the AFL days, and is fueled by memorable games and iconic moments. The Chiefs and Raiders share a mutual disdain, with each game serving as a chance to settle old scores and claim bragging rights in the AFC West.

The Las Vegas Raiders, in turn, also view the Chiefs as their top rival. The Raiders’ fan base relishes the opportunity to challenge Kansas City’s dominance, and their matchups are often characterized by high energy and unpredictability. This rivalry transcends current team performance, as it is rooted in decades of competition and a shared history that keeps the animosity alive.

Finally, the Los Angeles Chargers consider the Chiefs their biggest rival in the AFC West. As the Chiefs have risen to prominence, the Chargers have often been in their shadow, making every game an opportunity to prove their worth. The rivalry is driven by divisional implications and the desire to dethrone Kansas City as the team to beat, ensuring that these matchups are charged with intensity.

In conclusion, the AFC is a conference defined by its rivalries, each shaped by unique historical, geographic, and competitive factors. From the hard-hitting battles of the AFC North to the high-stakes showdowns in the AFC West, these rivalries add depth and excitement to the NFL season. As teams continue to evolve and new stars emerge, these matchups will undoubtedly adapt, but the passion and intensity behind them will remain a cornerstone of AFC football. Whether it’s a battle for divisional supremacy or a chance to settle old scores, the biggest rival for each AFC team in 2025 represents a critical chapter in their ongoing story, captivating fans and players alike with every snap of the ball.

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The Biggest Current Rival for Every AFC Team