By Jeffrey Jones

Since the Kansas City Chiefs began their dominant run under Patrick Mahomes, accusations of officiating bias have followed them. Fans of rival teams have pointed to controversial calls in key moments as evidence that the Chiefs receive preferential treatment from referees. But is there truth to this claim, or is it just frustration from teams on the losing end?

There have been multiple high-profile officiating decisions that sparked outrage among fans. In the 2023 AFC Championship Game against the Bengals, a crucial third-down play was replayed after an official ruled that the game clock had erroneously run. On the reset play, the Chiefs were awarded a first down after a defensive penalty. The decision didn’t directly lead to Kansas City’s win, but it gave them another chance in a tight game.

More recently, during the 2024 AFC Divisional Round against the Bills, officials missed what many believed was a blatant offensive offsides penalty on Chiefs receiver Kadarius Toney before a touchdown. The NFL later admitted the missed call, fueling further claims that Kansas City benefits from officiating errors at critical junctures.

However, data doesn’t necessarily support the argument that referees consistently favor the Chiefs. According to NFL penalty statistics from the past three seasons, Kansas City ranked in the middle of the league in terms of total penalties assessed. In fact, in the 2023 season, they were among the most penalized teams in key offensive situations.

While the Chiefs have undoubtedly benefited from some controversial calls, there is no statistical proof that referees systematically favor them. The NFL’s fast-paced nature means officiating errors happen in nearly every game, often influencing the outcome in both directions. The high stakes of Kansas City’s games, coupled with their sustained success, likely amplify the perception of bias.