ESPN debunks the "officials favor the Chiefs" myth

[RaidersOftheCellar]

Which excuse will haters pivot to now?


https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/sto...-lamar-jackson

The myth: The officials favor the Chiefs late in close games.

When the Chiefs began 9-0 with seven wins by a touchdown or less, there were conspiracy theories about referees favoring them. Was the league trying to guide Kansas City to a three-peat? Was the idea that Chiefs wins are good because the league is trying to attract more Swifties to the NFL? Who knows.

Why it's a myth: Looking only at late- and close-game situations (eight points in either direction, second half or overtime) and including both declined and offsetting penalties, the NFL team with the most flags is ... Kansas City. It is tied with the Colts, having 29 penalties in such situations. Only the Jets and Saints have more penalty yards than Kansas City's 218 in late and close situations.

The Chiefs also rank third in how frequently penalties have been called on their opponents in these situations. Officials don't favor them; they just might have randomly been a bit more officious when the Chiefs were playing all those close games. -- Schatz