Stunning stat proves NFL fans are right to think Chiefs enjoy penalty advantage in playoffs
The Kansas City Chiefs are often accused of getting a helping hand in the postseason. When Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were dominating the NFL with the New England Patriots, fans were quick to suggest they got a leg up from the refs. Fans think Patrick Mahomes is given too much help Now, as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes look for a historic three-peat and fourth Super Bowl triumph in six seasons, the baton has been passed. The Houston Texans drew a couple of 15-yard penalties in the Divisional Round defeat to the Chiefs and took aim at the officials afterward. “We knew it was going to be us against the refs going into this game,” defensive end Will Anderson said. So is there any truth to the allegations? Well, if you are looking for the silver bullet that proves a league-wide conspiracy, it isn’t here. But an incredible stat has shown that the Chiefs do enjoy a massive penalty advantage in the postseason. Head coach Reid has been on the sideline for 11 playoff games since 2021. The Chiefs have not conceded more penalties than their opponents in any of those contests, according to data from ESPN. They have also given away fewer penalty yards in 10 of 11 games. Eight of the matchups have been decided by one score or less. The Chiefs have a massive advantage in penalties and yards given upESPN The Chiefs are bidding to the the first team to win three straight Super BowlsGetty NFL analyst Warren Sharp did a deep dive into the data on X and the replies were full of fans feeling their suspicions had been confirmed. “The NFL is fixed. It’s obvious,” said one. “Not crazy I could’ve told you this in 5 seconds with no research,” added another. “I bet somewhere in the NFL files is a memo stating to prop up the Chiefs as the new dynasty to take the place of the Brady/Patriots moneymaker,” wote a third. “Anyone who has been watching football the last five years wouldn’t be surprised by this statistic,” a fourth posted. There are several potential explanations for the data, which comes on a very small sample size. The Chiefs play a lot of playoff games at home, where teams often have the edge in penalties. They are also a vastly experienced unit with seasoned postseason campaigners across the board, which may mean Reid’s players are better at keeping their cool. Kansas City also has a well-coached roster thanks to ‘Big Red’ and his assistants. Whatever the numbers, the debate will rage on this weekend as the Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Clete Blakeman’s officiating crew has been handed the job of keeping the teams in line Mahomes is 6-5 with Blakeman in charge, well below his career average. Follow talkSPORT NFL on Facebook Follow our talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook for the latest breaking NFL news, exclusive video interviews, and the biggest talking points from around the league. Our dedicated NFL YouTube channel ‘End Zone’ will also keep you across the very latest NFL news with exclusive access and our weekly ‘Rundown’ review show.
The Kansas City Chiefs are often accused of getting a helping hand in the postseason.
When Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were dominating the NFL with the New England Patriots, fans were quick to suggest they got a leg up from the refs.
Now, as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes look for a historic three-peat and fourth Super Bowl triumph in six seasons, the baton has been passed.
The Houston Texans drew a couple of 15-yard penalties in the Divisional Round defeat to the Chiefs and took aim at the officials afterward.
“We knew it was going to be us against the refs going into this game,” defensive end Will Anderson said.
So is there any truth to the allegations?
Well, if you are looking for the silver bullet that proves a league-wide conspiracy, it isn’t here.
But an incredible stat has shown that the Chiefs do enjoy a massive penalty advantage in the postseason.
Head coach Reid has been on the sideline for 11 playoff games since 2021.
The Chiefs have not conceded more penalties than their opponents in any of those contests, according to data from ESPN.
They have also given away fewer penalty yards in 10 of 11 games.
Eight of the matchups have been decided by one score or less.
NFL analyst Warren Sharp did a deep dive into the data on X and the replies were full of fans feeling their suspicions had been confirmed.
“The NFL is fixed. It’s obvious,” said one.
“Not crazy I could’ve told you this in 5 seconds with no research,” added another.
“I bet somewhere in the NFL files is a memo stating to prop up the Chiefs as the new dynasty to take the place of the Brady/Patriots moneymaker,” wote a third.
“Anyone who has been watching football the last five years wouldn’t be surprised by this statistic,” a fourth posted.
There are several potential explanations for the data, which comes on a very small sample size.
The Chiefs play a lot of playoff games at home, where teams often have the edge in penalties.
They are also a vastly experienced unit with seasoned postseason campaigners across the board, which may mean Reid’s players are better at keeping their cool.
Kansas City also has a well-coached roster thanks to ‘Big Red’ and his assistants.
Whatever the numbers, the debate will rage on this weekend as the Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Clete Blakeman’s officiating crew has been handed the job of keeping the teams in line
Mahomes is 6-5 with Blakeman in charge, well below his career average.
Follow talkSPORT NFL on Facebook
Follow our talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook for the latest breaking NFL news, exclusive video interviews, and the biggest talking points from around the league.
Our dedicated NFL YouTube channel ‘End Zone’ will also keep you across the very latest NFL news with exclusive access and our weekly ‘Rundown’ review show.
