Based on a few
www.whatifsports.com replays...
It's commonly said that "The Greatest Game Ever Played" in 1958 is what launched the NFL into prominence now, though when I was young (middle '70s), because of its recency, then namath entering the Hall of Fame quickly, it was presumed Super Bowl III, where the Jets upset the Colts, was just as much of a catalyst.
Suppose that the Chiefs make it and upset the Colts, 24-6 (score of the replayed Super Bowl I did with the two), then follow it up next season going 13-1 and beating the Colts? I see a couple results from this:
1. Namath's overall accomplishments are looked at more; he may still get in, but probably not till the Veterans' XCommittee starts looking at other AFL stars. Still, being from New York, and with the first 4000 yard passing season, he might get in.
The Chiefs are looked at like the Browns of the old AAFC (1946-1949). Some people might even complain about the merger (though it was agreed upon before their last 2 wins), saying that only the Chiefs and maybe Raiders and 1-2 others clubs should have been added. They would seen as far more the class of that league, though they hadn't won an AFL title before the Super Bowl era.
Effect on the NFL's popularity? Not sure. 20-30 years ago, people would have said it was a big boost, but now, I'm not so sure. I think rather, it was a big boost to the *Super Bowl's* popularity. It might take a series of close games for it to really reach its height; say by the first Dallas/Pittsburgh one at the latest. (Although the replayed Super Bowl after the '69 season, when both the Chiefs and Vikings made it, could have also helped. Jan Stenerud kicked a field goal, one of 5 in the game, to win 9-6 as time expired!)
What do you all think?