“Only the Chiefs”: Travis Kelce controversy reignites NFL favoritism debate
The Kansas City Chiefs are once again under fire for getting away with bad calls by the referees after their SNF game against the Detroit Lions.
Every year, the Kansas City Chiefs get criticized and accused of favoritism after a referee misses a call on them. In their most recent game, a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions, they drew backlash once again.
Fans cry “rigged” after Travis Kelce’s questionable catch in Chiefs’ win over Lions
The Chiefs’ 30-17 win over the Lions reignited NFL “rigged” conspiracy theories, fueled by a controversial third-quarter catch from Travis Kelce that appeared to hit the ground but was ruled a completion.
I know a lot of people are saying this should have been incomplete. But the rules clearly state that if a receiver establishes himself as a Kansas City Chief, it's a completed catch. https://t.co/3r6ZftWGs0
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) October 13, 2025
This catch by Travis Kelce should have been ruled an incomplete catch with how it hits the ground. Chiefs hurry and snap the ball before it can be reviewed pic.twitter.com/7VEjkO2Aji
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 13, 2025
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes quickly ran the next play to prevent a review, setting up a touchdown moments later. The call, along with a few others that went the Chiefs’ way during the game, sparked outrage online, with fans accusing officials of protecting Kansas City once again.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay defended the decision, saying Kelce had control before the ball touched the ground. Still, other questionable moments followed, including a non-call on Kelce for holding, a wiped-out Lions touchdown for illegal motion, and a roughing-the-passer flag that fans called a “Mahomes flop.”
I see the #Chiefs are back!
— Dave Myers BIB (@DaveMyersBIB) October 13, 2025
Play 1 - Kelce ball hits the ground
Play 2 - Kelce holds a Lions player directly trying to make a tackle
Play 3 - Mahomes runs right past a Lions player being strip searched.
And… the Chiefs had zero penalties in the game. Thats basically… pic.twitter.com/q04zBbvlBU
Adding fuel to the fire, the Chiefs finished the game with zero penalties, just one week after being flagged 13 times in a loss. Critics on social media pointed to the discrepancy as proof of favoritism, especially given the team’s spotlight status and Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift.
Despite the backlash, Kelce dismissed the noise after the game, saying the Chiefs made limiting penalties “a huge focal point this week.”
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