The 2024 NFL season is nearing its midway point, with some of the top teams clearly cementing themselves as Super Bowl title contenders.
Following the Week 8 NFL slate, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith and the “First Take” crew revealed their picks for the top teams in the league.
When sharing his thoughts on the top five teams in the NFL, Smith was quick to give credit to the only undefeated team standing.
Smith believes the Kansas City Chiefs are the No. 1 team in the NFL. He gave props to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for running the offense, but also highlighted Kansas City’s stout defense.
.@stephenasmith's top 5 NFL teams through Week 8️⃣:
1. @Chiefs
2. @Lions
3. @BuffaloBills
4. @packers
5. @Eagles pic.twitter.com/4ekwaumqVj— First Take (@FirstTake) October 29, 2024
“We just got one team and they’re No. 1,” Smith said. “We all know who they are. It’s the Kansas City Chiefs. No matter what is going on, Patrick Mahomes finds a way. But, it’s not even about him. It’s about their defense being a top defense. Their defense is no joke. … Somehow, someway, you can’t find a way to take them out.”
The Chiefs currently stand at 7-0, following a Week 8 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the 27-20 victory on Sunday, Mahomes posted two touchdowns and 262 yards, completing 27-of-38 pass attempts.
After adding to his season total, Mahomes’ numbers for the 2024 season clock in at eight touchdowns, nine interceptions and 1,651 yards with a 68.4 completion percentage.
As Smith explained, Mahomes, even in a down season personally, has been the leader of the Chiefs’ offense, but Kansas City’s defense has been the real star of the show all season.
They’ve held six of their seven opponents under 20 points. Kansas City’s opponents have averaged 17.6 points, 212 passing yards and 82.3 rushing yards.
The Chiefs’ run defense has been its biggest strength all season. Despite playing some of the biggest stars on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage, like Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson and Alvin Kamara, the Chiefs have produced arguably the most consistent defense in the league.
Kansas City has benefited from stars like Chris Jones, Nick Bolton and George Karlaftis on the defensive line.
