American Football: Domination

Chapter 612: Neck and Neck



Week Four of the regular season: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos.

Since Peyton Manning's retirement, the Denver Broncos have struggled to regain their footing. During the offseason, they traded for quarterback Case Keenum from the Minnesota Vikings, who dazzled the league last season. Still, the Broncos remain a team in rebuilding mode.

Analysts widely believed the Broncos couldn't challenge the reigning champions—the Chiefs were expected to cruise to another victory and extend their winning streak.

But never underestimate the energy a division rival brings to a derby matchup.

The Broncos nearly pulled off an upset, forcing the Chiefs into a desperate fight. In the end, it was the Chiefs' defense that stepped up, averting disaster.

27–23. Four straight wins.

Week Five: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars.

This was a rematch of last season's AFC Championship, and both teams were considered strong contenders for the conference crown this year. The game was the week's marquee matchup, expected to be tight and hard-fought—a true test for both teams.

Adding fuel to the fire was the much-anticipated showdown between trash-talking king Jalen Ramsey and quarterback Patrick Mahomes—new-generation stars squaring off at their respective positions.

All eyes on them.

And then…

The game was a blowout.

The Jaguars never found their rhythm. From kickoff to final whistle, they were outmatched on both offense and defense—pummeled by the Chiefs, who dominated every facet.

Ramsey turned his verbal fire inward postgame:

"We were a disaster."

And he wasn't wrong.

The mismatch was so pronounced that Lance exited midway through the third quarter. Had Mahomes not still been gaining experience, Coach Reid would've pulled him too.

Mahomes didn't mind—he relished every snap.

Meanwhile, backup running back Hunt, stepping in for Lance, showed no mercy. Like a beast unleashed, Hunt ravaged the Jaguars' defense to league-wide amazement.

In under two quarters, Hunt racked up over 50 rushing and 50 receiving yards, including a rushing touchdown.

A monster. He poured salt into Jacksonville's gaping wounds.

The headlines roared:

"Hunt."

"Again and again, his explosive performance rings out across the league: In Kansas City, it's not just Lance in the backfield."

"Clearly, this team is loaded."

Final score: 40–14.

A dominant, satisfying win that silenced doubters after last week's close call.

Five straight wins to start the season—for the second year in a row, the Chiefs were perfect through the first month, proving their mettle early.

But this year, the Chiefs weren't alone at the top—

The Los Angeles Rams were also 5–0.

Back in the 2016 draft, the Rams selected quarterback Jared Goff first overall, and the Eagles followed with Carson Wentz at number two.

Both were hyped, but their rookie seasons were rough. They looked lost.

But last season, both QBs blossomed. Now in their third year, they were sharpening their blades.

Goff had already exploded out of the gates.

The Rams' defense boasted reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. The offense was led by a transformed Goff. And at the helm? Sean McVay, who became the NFL's youngest head coach at just 30, had rebuilt the team from the ground up.

After last year's growing pains, the Rams returned stronger and more cohesive.

With wins over the Chargers, Vikings, and Seahawks, the Rams remained undefeated, neck and neck with the Chiefs—drawing league-wide attention.

The Rams led the NFC with the best defender.

The Chiefs led the AFC with the best offensive weapon.

The narrative crystalized—and a wild idea surfaced:

What if these two teams met in the Super Bowl?

Suddenly, the potential clash of Lance vs. Donald emerged.

But wait—what about Lance vs. Brady?

Not a problem.

Lance vs. Brady would be the AFC showdown—the conference championship clash. Lance vs. Donald? That's the cross-conference Super Bowl dream, the ultimate collision on the grandest stage.

Interestingly, Lance and Donald had never even crossed paths, let alone played against each other. Yet destiny seemed to be quietly scripting their duel.

One was the league's new defensive face—rising in the wake of Watt's injuries.

The other, a breakout offensive star, unafraid of even Tom Brady.

Even their positions aligned: defensive end vs. running back. A perfect match-up.

Last season, Commissioner Goodell had tried to build hype around the duo, but the Rams' early playoff exit ruined the plan.

Now, with both teams 5–0, the moment was ripe—and Goodell didn't even need to intervene. The media had already lost their minds with anticipation.

Before Lance and Donald even shared a field, reporters were stoking the flames—comparing stats, dissecting performances, building tension.

And once both teams stood as the league's final undefeated squads, the frenzy exploded.

The moment Aaron Donald appeared in public, reporters swarmed like bees to honey, microphones jammed in his face. The poor guy looked like a 300-pound baby about to cry—sweaty, overwhelmed, and surrounded.

The questions flew like bullets:

"Aaron, what do you think of Lance?"

"He's called the best running back in the league. Can you stop him?"

"As last year's top defender, are you ready for Lance?"

"Some say neither of you have proven yourselves because you've never faced each other. Is that fair?"

"Whose 5–0 record is more impressive—the Rams or the Chiefs?"

"Can you shut down the Chiefs' offense?"

"…Aaron, are you afraid of Lance?"

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