NFL fans had strong reactions to the way the game was called on Saturday in the Kansas City Chiefs‘ 27-19  win over the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.

Some fans were already curious about the timeline of the Chiefs injury report in Week 16. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain in Kansas City’s 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.

Patrick Mahomes healed from his injury quickly

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Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs for a touchdown as Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris (48) defends during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Mahomes was a full participant in all three of the team’s light practices this week and was able to rehab in six days, an injury that usually takes weeks to heal. The two-time NFL MVP ran for a 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and many fans believed Mahomes faked the severity of his injury during the week.

The Kansas City Chiefs benefited from a few calls on Saturday

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Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches play against the Houston Texans during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

On Saturday, the Chiefs benefited from a few favorable calls against the Texans. Rate the Refs App posted a video of a questionable play where a fumble returned for a touchdown was nixed because of a roughing the passer penalty.

 

The Chiefs were also helped with a few holding and pass interference calls that went against the Texans. Fixed Refs called one PI a “phantom” penalty.

“NFL Refs Call Phantom Offensive PI on the Texans to move them out of field goal range,” posted Fixed Refs. “This game should be investigated for fraudulent referees. When does the NFL get sued for fixing games?”

 

 

NFL fans on social media complained about the calls, many of them claiming the league was rigging games in favor of Kansas City.

NFL fans are worried the league is rigging the games

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Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) walks to the sideline during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

“The refs are smart. They’ll call tiny penalties on KC that don’t really mean anything like a hold on special teams. But will call important penalties against their opponent. At the end of the game the penalties will be even but anyone that actually watches the game knows whats up,” wrote a fan.

“The chiefs are ruining football There is no way you can watch this and not believe it’s rigged,” posted a fan.
“Every single Chiefs game feels rigged this year. So many stupid flags every game,” suggested another.
“Anyone that doesn’t think the NFL is rigging every chiefs game is so delusional it’s not even funny,” wrote a fan.
“How much is NFL is making off rigging so many games? NFL commissioner. this has been bad for the last 10 years. Chiefs reached on new level. Perhaps you just admit NFL is like Pro Wrestling,” posted another.