Unhappy NFL fans think the Kansas City Chiefs-Detroit Lions “Sunday Night Football” game was “rigged” following several questionable calls by the NFL refs against Dan Campbell’s squad.
During the Chiefs’ dynastic run, the NFL refs have faced countless accusations of “rigging” games for Patrick Mahomes and company. Just last week, fans accused the refs of picking up a flag against Kansas City only because Mahomes pleaded his case.
Whether they like it or not, the officials didn’t do themselves any favors in silencing the crowd that thinks they’re out to protect Kansas City. For example, Travis Kelce appeared to get away with a holding infraction during the Chiefs’ fourth-quarter touchdown drive that helped them ice the game:
You also had Aidan Hutchinson getting flagged for “roughing the passer” on Mahomes:
And a play where the NFL refs ruled a catch for Kelce when it appeared to be a drop. But Kansas City snapped the ball before there could be a review:
The Chiefs also weren’t called for a single penalty all night, per ESPN. And social media let the league hear it.
“Another football season but the same KC protection by the refs. It’s always so obvious and one-sided,” one fan wrote.
“It’s like the referees are trying to shove the Kansas City down our throats,” said another.
“Chiefs are going to win a game where they committed zero penalties. If that doesn’t prove the nfl isn’t rigged then nothing will,” a fan wrote.
“I knew this game was rigged and the refs are still helping the chiefs,” a user commented.
I knew this game was rigged and the refs are still helping the cheifs
— harh (@HarhGamer) October 13, 2025
“Bingo!!! Fixed nfl. Called this one to. So easy to see what the NFL does each week depending on who needs help. Chiefs can’t afford to go 2-4,” another said.
“Refs just ignored all the holding and false starts by the chiefs,” a user wrote.
The Chiefs went on to win 30-17, their third victory in four games, to get back to .500.
