Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill vs. Burrow, Chase, and Higgins: Which NFL Trio Reigns Supreme as the Greatest of All Time?

In the fast-paced world of the NFL, there are few things more exciting than a dynamic trio of elite players working together to dominate the game. Whether it’s the aerial assault led by a top-tier quarterback, the brilliance of an all-pro wide receiver, or the consistency of a dominant tight end, these duos or trios have shaped the course of NFL history. In recent years, two trios have been at the center of many conversations among fans and analysts: the Kansas City Chiefs’ trio of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill, and the Cincinnati Bengals’ trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.

While both groups have had their fair share of incredible performances, their impact on the league and their respective teams has raised the question: which trio is the greatest? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison between these two dynamic units, examining their individual contributions, team achievements, and lasting legacies to determine which one reigns supreme in NFL history.

The Chiefs’ Trio: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive trio of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and wide receiver Tyreek Hill is among the most electrifying in NFL history. Their individual talents and ability to connect on the field has brought the Chiefs consistent success, making them a perennial contender in the AFC.

Patrick Mahomes: The Superstar Quarterback

Patrick Mahomes’ meteoric rise to fame has been nothing short of incredible. Since becoming the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, Mahomes has completely transformed the franchise. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play the game, known for his incredible arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability.

Mahomes has led the Chiefs to multiple AFC Championship games, including a historic victory in Super Bowl LIV, where he was named Super Bowl MVP. With his ability to make jaw-dropping throws from any angle and his unmatched ability to perform under pressure, Mahomes has won multiple MVP awards and continues to rewrite the NFL’s record books. His performance during the 2022 season, where he led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, further solidified his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Travis Kelce: The Elite Tight End

Travis Kelce, a product of the University of Cincinnati, has been one of the most dominant and consistent tight ends in NFL history. Known for his incredible hands, unmatched route-running ability, and physicality, Kelce has been a central figure in the Chiefs’ offensive attack since joining the team in 2013.

Kelce has been named to multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams and holds numerous franchise records for the Chiefs, including most receiving yards by a tight end and most seasons with 1,000 yards receiving by a tight end. His chemistry with Mahomes is unparalleled, and together they have formed one of the most potent quarterback-tight end duos in the league’s history. Kelce’s ability to create mismatches with defenders due to his size, speed, and ability to run precise routes has been crucial to the Chiefs’ success, particularly during their Super Bowl-winning seasons.

Tyreek Hill: The Speed Demon

Tyreek Hill, also known as “Cheetah,” is one of the most electrifying wide receivers to ever step on an NFL field. Hill’s unparalleled speed, quickness, and agility make him a nightmare for defenders. He can change the game in the blink of an eye, turning a short catch into a touchdown or taking the top off the defense with his breakaway speed.

Hill’s impact on the Chiefs’ offense was undeniable during his time in Kansas City, helping Mahomes stretch the field and open up space for other playmakers. His deep-threat ability consistently forced opposing defenses to adjust, often leaving other players like Kelce to thrive in one-on-one matchups. Hill was instrumental in the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LIV, where his speed and playmaking abilities were on full display.

The Bengals’ Trio: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins

While the Chiefs’ trio helped lead their team to multiple championships, the Bengals’ trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins has been one of the most exciting and dynamic offenses in recent years. Burrow and Chase, in particular, have formed an undeniable connection, and Tee Higgins’ contributions can’t be overlooked either.

Joe Burrow: The Calm and Collected Leader

Joe Burrow, known for his poise and leadership, has brought the Cincinnati Bengals back into playoff contention. Since being drafted first overall in 2020, Burrow has demonstrated elite-level accuracy, decision-making, and leadership qualities that have helped transform the Bengals into perennial Super Bowl contenders.

Burrow’s quick release and ability to read defenses have made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. He led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second season, an impressive feat for any young quarterback. His ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations earned him the nickname “Joe Cool.” Burrow’s leadership and offensive prowess have made the Bengals one of the most exciting teams to watch, and his continued development suggests that he will only improve in the years to come.

Ja’Marr Chase: The Phenomenal Rookie

Ja’Marr Chase made an immediate impact upon entering the NFL, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top wide receivers. In his rookie season, Chase set rookie records and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. His chemistry with Burrow, his college teammate, has been nothing short of spectacular.

Chase’s ability to make big plays down the field, his exceptional hands, and his ability to separate from defenders make him a matchup nightmare. In 2024, Chase led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, cementing his place among the best receivers in the league. His explosive ability to change the game with one play has made him a key part of the Bengals’ offensive success.

Tee Higgins: The Reliable Second Option

While Ja’Marr Chase has often been the focal point of the Bengals’ receiving corps, Tee Higgins has been a consistent and reliable second option. Higgins’ ability to win contested catches, his strong route-running skills, and his ability to stretch the field have made him an ideal complement to Chase.

In 2024, Higgins was instrumental in helping the Bengals reach the playoffs, finishing the season with over 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His physicality and ability to make plays in clutch moments have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top wide receivers, and he has developed into a key piece of the Bengals’ offensive attack alongside Burrow and Chase.

Team Success: Chiefs vs. Bengals

One of the key factors in comparing these two trios is the overall team success they’ve achieved. The Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL for the past five years, thanks in large part to the incredible trio of Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill. The Chiefs have won multiple AFC Championships, have appeared in several Super Bowls, and have been perennial playoff contenders throughout the Mahomes era.

The Bengals, on the other hand, are in the midst of a resurgence. While they’ve experienced significant success in recent years, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, their accomplishments do not yet match the sustained success of the Chiefs. However, the Bengals’ trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins has already achieved great things, and the team appears poised for future success.

Legacy and Future Outlook

When comparing legacies, Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill have already cemented their place among the greatest trios in NFL history. Their Super Bowl victories, MVP awards, and individual accolades place them in an elite category of NFL greats. However, the Bengals’ trio, while younger, has the potential to reach similar heights, especially given their collective talent and the impressive early achievements of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins.

Burrow’s leadership and playmaking ability, combined with the incredible skill of Chase and Higgins, suggests that the Bengals are on the cusp of creating a legacy that could rival the Chiefs’ trio in the coming years. While they may not have the same level of sustained success yet, the potential for greatness is undoubtedly there.

Conclusion: Which Trio is the Greatest?

Determining which trio is the greatest in NFL history is a subjective question that depends on how one defines greatness. If success is measured by championships and sustained dominance, then Mahomes, Kelce, and Hill currently have the edge. However, if potential and future success are taken into account, then Burrow, Chase, and Higgins are poised to challenge for that title in the coming years.

Both trios have made indelible marks on the NFL, and their legacies will continue to unfold over the next several seasons. The Chiefs’ trio has proven to be one of the best in NFL history, but the Bengals’ trio has the talent and drive to eventually match or even surpass them in the future. As both teams continue to battle for supremacy in the AFC, the debate over which trio is the greatest will remain one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL.