**Chiefs Maintain Dominance as AFC Playoff Race Enters Week 9**

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to showcase their supremacy in the 2024 NFL season, extending their undefeated run with a decisive victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid now boast a flawless 6-0 record at Allegiant Stadium. Remarkably, this win also places Reid at the pinnacle of coaching victories at the venue, surpassing even those who have frequently called it home.

Despite some shaky moments during the game, Mahomes delivered an exceptional performance, with his only hiccup being an unlucky interception. The Chiefs' defense, which initially struggled, redeemed itself with a pivotal goal-line stand in the third quarter following the interception. This defensive play was crucial in maintaining their lead and eventually securing the win.

After eight weeks of the 2024-25 season, the AFC playoff picture is taking shape. The current standings show the Chiefs firmly at the top, while the Indianapolis Colts (4-4), Cincinnati Bengals (3-5), and Miami Dolphins (2-5) are still in the hunt for playoff spots. These teams are jostling for position, each trying to keep their postseason hopes alive.

In Week 8, the Houston Texans managed a season sweep against the Indianapolis Colts. Jameis Winston's debut for the Cleveland Browns resulted in an unexpected victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The New England Patriots scraped a win against the New York Jets in a lackluster AFC East clash. Despite losing Jordan Love early, the Green Bay Packers overcame the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Miami Dolphins, with Tua Tagovailoa back, squandered a double-digit lead and lost to the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions overwhelmed the Tennessee Titans, scoring a massive 52 points on just 225 offensive yards.

The Philadelphia Eagles thoroughly dominated the Bengals at home. The Buffalo Bills took control in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks. The Los Angeles Chargers easily dispatched a bruised New Orleans Saints team. Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix powered through the Carolina Panthers, and the Chiefs maintained their winning streak in Las Vegas. The Pittsburgh Steelers nearly let their game against the New York Giants slip away but held on in true Steelers fashion.

Looking at the broader picture, the Houston Texans may not look like true Super Bowl contenders yet, while Colts' Anthony Richardson must navigate rookie challenges. The Ravens faltered significantly against Cleveland, revitalizing their offense under Winston. The Patriots picked up a rare win, signaling the Jets' apparent end to their season. The Jaguars' defensive woes jeopardize their playoff chances, and the Dolphins, despite looking better offensively with Tua, are seeing their playoff hopes wane. The Titans might need to consider scouting new quarterbacks after their latest defeat.

The Bengals are on thin ice, now 0-4 at home. As contenders, the Bills have emerged as the strongest challenge to the Chiefs' dominance, while the Chargers cemented their wild card credentials. The Broncos are gaining momentum, and the Chiefs' defense is stamping itself as the league's best. Despite a solid record, the Steelers have yet to convincingly prove themselves as Super Bowl contenders.

The Chiefs are the frontrunners for the AFC's top seed with a 59.9% chance, followed by the Bills at 19.6%, Texans at 8.0%, Steelers at 7.4%, and Ravens at 2.7%. For Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs lead with a 17.5% chance, trailed by the Bills at 13.5%, Ravens at 5.9%, Steelers at 5.2%, and Texans at 3.8%.

Kansas City's unblemished record now places them well ahead in the AFC, with every other team having at least two losses. Their upcoming schedule includes critical matchups against the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers. If they avoid any major upsets, the Chiefs are on track to secure the AFC's top seed and gain vital home-field advantage as they pursue a third consecutive Super Bowl title.