Jason Bell's Super Bowl contenders and NFL dark horse who could unseat Kansas City Chiefs

Jason Bell is convinced the Denver Broncos could dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs from their AFC West dominance this campaign. The Chiefs have established themselves as the main powerhouse within the division - and across the entire NFL - for some time now, claiming nine consecutive divisional titles and three Super Bowl victories over the past five seasons.

Pivotal figures such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have broken numerous records together, but Bell believes they will face an unexpected challenger this year. The ex-New York Giants star, who claimed a Super Bowl with the NFC East franchise in 2008, exclusively discussed his predictions for this upcoming season. Bell has backed the Broncos, highlighting head coach Sean Payton's tactical mind and second-year quarterback Bo Nix as the crucial components to complete the AFC West team. When questioned about his thoughts regarding the NFL's 'dark horse' for 2025, the Sky Sports pundit said: "It is hard, but, you know, it's always an interesting conversation.

"You have to go there, especially as an analyst. And when I look at it, I'm thinking, all right, what would surprise me or surprise people? And I think about in the AFC West, Kansas City has always dominated, and they should, but my goodness, the Denver Broncos, they could unseat them, in my opinion. That defense with Sean Payton, the head coach, obviously Bo Nix, and that offense kind of elevating this year.

"It could be quite dangerous. It wouldn't surprise me, but it would be a surprise. We got a team that's always a play away from being in the Super Bowl or in the Super Bowl, that is the Kansas City Chiefs. They [Chiefs] to me, still have the top quarterback in the NFL.

"So, yeah, that will be a surprise if it happened. But I wouldn't be surprised, because I love defense."

Bell went on to point out that numerous NFL fans cling to the major personalities throughout the league, and overlook the gruelling effort put in by every individual on both sides of the ball to reach that standard.

He added: "We lean into these big names a lot of times, everybody's a little late when those names are not as prominent as they were, as their performance on the field. They're still a name, but, you know, their performance or the team's performance or unit might have dropped off."

The 47-year-old predicted that first-overall pick Cam Ward will emerge as the standout rookie in 2025, stating that his talent will be boosted thanks to the faith the Tennessee Titans have placed in him.

Bell said: "My rookie of the year, I'll throw it out there real quick. I love Cam Ward, man, Tennessee Titans, come on now. [He was] the first pick, I like his coach, [Brian] Callahan, and I think they're going to run the ball and play action pass. I think that might work out for him."

When quizzed on his Super Bowl LX predictions, Bell highlighted several NFC contenders who could reach the championship match - though he favoured just one AFC side. He said: "And let's say, Super Bowl candidates for fun. I want to see Baltimore there.

"I think that team's ready to go, and it could be, I'll say, I'll give you three teams in the NFC. I mean, the Eagles, the Eagles are dominant. But my sleeper hits, it could be the [Detroit] Lions or Green Bay [Packers]. I don't know, those three Lions stay healthy, it could be interesting, but I would love to see the Baltimore Ravens.

"But Micah Parsons [going to Green Bay]? That changes the math, changes the game completely."

The NFL gets underway on Friday morning as defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, host the Dallas Cowboys at 1:20am UK time. The Los Angeles Chargers and the Chiefs will clash in the league's opening international fixture of the campaign in Brazil, with kick-off scheduled for 1am UK time on Saturday morning.

Subsequently, 13 additional matches will commence on Sunday, September 8, before the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings conclude the opening week of the season on Tuesday morning at 1:15am UK time.

Watch more NFL games than ever before this season live on Sky Sports & NOW.