Dislike for the Chiefs is palpable.

When you consistently win like Patrick Mahomes and his team, striving for a legendary Super Bowl three-peat, you will inevitably draw some criticism.

Let’s face it, not everyone admires Andy Reid’s squad. Many aren’t embracing the team’s remarkable accomplishments as they get ready to host yet another AFC Championship game.

This all stems from their winning two Super Bowl titles in a row and winning three out of the last five years. Their journey has been filled with tense moments and narrow victories. Plus, the abundance of TV commercials featuring the coach and star quarterback has showcased them as likable figures. Travis Kelce is also of note, and there’s the added attention thanks to Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, who has made following NFL games appealing to a fresh audience.

Are fans just plain tired of the Chiefs? Is it merely boredom?

Take Marlon Humphrey, an All-Pro cornerback currently sidelined with the Baltimore Ravens. He shared his thoughts via a post on social media platform X:

“I’m just hating for the sake of hating,” Humphrey wrote. “The Bills or any NFC team need to stop the Chiefs. We can’t let them do this anymore.”

Some might think Humphrey is bitter after facing the Chiefs’ defeat last year.

Actually, that was the previous year, when the Ravens lost at home to Kansas City during the AFC title game after working hard for home-field advantage. This year, Humphrey’s team stumbled against Buffalo, leading to the Bills’ advancement in the playoffs.

Thus, when Humphrey mentions the Chiefs “getting away” with things, he might be reflecting a broader sentiment from other fans.

Consider the Houston Texans. Kansas City’s recent win in the divisional playoffs was marred by two questionable penalties against Texans players for simply touching Mahomes while making plays. How outrageous.

In the first quarter, Will Anderson was penalized for roughing the passer, extending a drive that ultimately led to a field goal. Later, Henry To’oTo’o received a penalty for unnecessary roughness during a play where he caused more harm to a teammate than to the sliding quarterback. This penalty also kept a scoring drive alive, which resulted in a touchdown.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans remarked, “We knew it was us against the world.”

A referee named Clay Martin explained that the penalties were due to “forcible contact” to Mahomes’ head and neck area. Even with scrutiny or ESPN analyst Troy Aikman criticizing the officiating in real-time, the calls have been supported by Walt Anderson, the NFL’s senior vice president of officiating, emphasizing that they adhered to league protocols.

However, Chiefs critics, many of whom believe in conspiracy theories, argue that Mahomes receives more favorable calls compared to other players, similarly to how Tom Brady was perceived to be treated.

Yes, Mahomes does have a knack for the game, expertly using feints and pump-fakes to gain extra yards by momentarily freezing defenders.

But claiming he excessively benefits from favorable rulings is questionable. Recall the instance when Kadarius Toney lined up offside? That mistake led to a Chiefs defeat, sparking Mahomes’ fury on the sidelines for not receiving a warning instead of a penalty.

Regardless, the animosity towards the Chiefs seems genuine. Several people I encountered in casual discussions expressed their eagerness to see the Chiefs lose this weekend. It’s as if they sought to put that energy into the universe.

Nonetheless, fans will tune in. No NFL team attracts viewers like the Chiefs, outpacing the popular Dallas Cowboys in TV ratings, despite the latter’s prolonged championship drought.

When the Chiefs faced their first loss of the season against Buffalo in mid-November, that game garnered an average of 31.2 million viewers—more than any regular-season NFL game since 2007, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve games. Furthermore, the Christmas day showdown against Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million viewers, marking one of the most-streamed NFL games ever.

So, sorry, Jerry; the Chiefs have become “America’s Team” in a sense—they’re the team many love to root against.

Just like a few years back when the New England Patriots, led by Brady and Belichick, became synonymous with victory and resentment.

It’s time to face the facts, Kansas City Chiefs: You have earned this ire. Triumph leads to scorn.

On Sunday, the Chiefs (16-2) will host the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium for the sixth time in seven years. Expect many, including Humphrey, to be rooting for the Buffalo Bills simply to oppose Kansas City.

Yes, it’s a thrilling rematch of their intense November matchup. Josh Allen boasts a record of 4-1 against Mahomes in regular-season play but remains winless in the playoffs at 0-3. That narrative alone is compelling. Perhaps Buffalo has their moment this time.

Yet, this goes beyond mere rivalry. It’s centered on dethroning the reigning champion or a desire for a new face in the winner’s circle.

Buffalo, this is your chance. Many former Bills fans are now cheering for you—if for nothing else than to see the Chiefs defeated.

In conclusion: Don’t just dislike the Chiefs—beat them. If you can.

Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell.