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A narrative surrounding the Chiefs and NFL officiating has circulated throughout the sports world this season with Kansas City jumping out to a 9-0 start. KC gets all the calls!
At least that’s what a number of viewers believe after watching Patrick Mahomes and Co. seemingly bailed out by penalties in key situations of close games. They have certainly benefitted from flags a few times so far this year.
One instance came in Week 2 against the Bengals when a pass interference call gave the Chiefs 15 yards and a fresh set of downs late in the game. That penalty came on 4th down on the offense’s final drive with the Cincinnati defense looking to close out the game.
Interestingly enough, Kansas City was on the other end of an eerily similar play the very next week vs. the Falcons. In that case, no flag was thrown after a Chiefs defender made contact with Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts on a potential game-winning pass play.
That narrative quickly formed! And flames were flamed when Mahomes was caught on a live mic seemingly asking officials to help him out on the field. Are NFL refs actually rigging games for KC? That’s doubtful.
In fact, they did quite the opposite in their most recent outing!
NFL refs missed blatant OPI in Bills-Chiefs game.
No call on Mack Hollins for OPI here, for those who insist the league systematically calls things in favor of the Chiefspic.twitter.com/yrNF0wt6Qq
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) November 17, 2024
The play came in the second half with Kansas City trailing by two points. Josh Allen connected with Curtis Samuel for a touchdown pass to put Buffalo up by nine points.
A Bills receiver appeared to make contact with a Chiefs defender on the play. That contact ultimately freed Samuel up for the wide-open score. No flag was thrown!
Mesh is a good football play. pic.twitter.com/37LnZCJBkp
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) November 17, 2024
Had a penalty been called, the touchdown would’ve been wiped out. Buffalo also would’ve been backed up, making a potential field goal attempt more likely. Instead, the Bills went up by two scores.
The play didn’t necessarily decide the game. The Chiefs ultimately lost 30-21 to take their first L of the season. That said, it should quiet the narrative surrounding Kansas City and NFL refs – at least for one week!
