When it comes to ruling the NFL, winning a division title is no small feat—let alone doing it year after year. But some teams have managed to turn division dominance into an art form, stacking championships like it’s just another day at the office. Right now, the Kansas City Chiefs are on a tear, chasing history and closing in on the legendary streak set by Tom Brady’s New England Patriots.
So, who owns the crown for the longest division title streaks in NFL history? Where do the Chiefs stand in this exclusive club? Let’s break it all down and see how today’s teams stack up against the dynasties of the past.
4: Cleveland Browns (1950-55), Minnesota Vikings (1973-78), Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-79)
These teams ruled their respective eras, racking up six straight division championships each.
- Cleveland Browns (1950-55):
The Browns dominated the early NFL landscape with their smothering defense. In 1953 and 1954, they led the league in both points and yards allowed—marking the first back-to-back seasons a team achieved this defensive milestone. - Minnesota Vikings (1973-78):
The Vikings rode their iconic “Purple People Eaters” defensive line to six consecutive NFC Central titles. Their defense anchored the team’s dominance, making them perennial Super Bowl contenders during this stretch. - Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-79):
The Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense was legendary. It helped Pittsburgh lock down the AFC Central for six straight seasons. During this era, their defensive prowess powered them to four Super Bowl wins, cementing their dynasty.
3. Los Angeles Rams (1973-79)
The Rams took consistency to another level, winning the NFC West for seven consecutive seasons. While their defense was a significant factor—they ranked in the NFC’s top three in points allowed for most of this stretch—their offense wasn’t to be overlooked. Despite playing in a 14-game season, they regularly scored over 300 points, making them a balanced powerhouse.
Although they captured just one Super Bowl during this run, their streak stood as the NFL’s gold standard for 35 years.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (2016-Present)
The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid, began their AFC West dominance in 2016—before Patrick Mahomes even took over. Alex Smith helped Kansas City regain prominence, but once Mahomes became the starting quarterback in 2018, the team skyrocketed to new heights.
Kansas City has adapted its style to maintain dominance. In some years, it relied on explosive offenses and lockdown defenses. In 2023, it showcased an uncanny ability to win games in unconventional ways, including clutch defensive stops, blocked field goals, and game-saving drives.
The Chiefs’ eight consecutive division titles already make them second on the all-time list, surpassing the 1970s Rams last year. With a three-game lead in the AFC West and four weeks remaining, they’re poised to clinch their ninth straight and edge closer to the Patriots’ all-time record.
1. New England Patriots (2009-19)
The Patriots set the standard for division dominance with 11 straight AFC East titles under the legendary duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
From 2009 to 2019, New England thrived on balance. Their defense consistently ranked among the NFL’s best, while Brady delivered unshakable consistency under center. Weapons like Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman kept the offense humming, year in and year out.
This streak almost extended even further. From 2003 to 2007, the Patriots won five consecutive division titles. They lost the AFC East in 2008 due to a tiebreaker with the Miami Dolphins, despite finishing with an identical 11-5 record. If not for that, their streak could have reached an unprecedented 17 years.
A Look at the Chiefs’ Chase
As the Chiefs push for their ninth straight title in 2023, they’re inching closer to the Patriots’ incredible record. Achieving such sustained success is a rarity in today’s NFL, where parity reigns, and the competition is fierce.
Whether they match or surpass the Patriots’ 11-year run remains to be seen, but the Chiefs’ streak is already one of the most remarkable in league history. With a mix of grit, adaptability, and star power, Kansas City is rewriting the record books, one season at a time.
