The Texans’ dream is finally over! Thanks to the mighty Chiefs who pulled another blockbuster win in their quest for a Super Bowl hat trick. But a series of controversial referee decisions turned the game against them. And this is not the first time the Chiefs are accused of being favored by the NFL refs. Even the NFL great Ro Gronkowski did not hold back when his opinion was asked on the same matter. “I would say so,” Gronkowski had said back in September 2024.

Talking about yesterday’s game, the Texans clawed for every yard. But penalties seemed to hand Kansas City golden opportunities. Social media erupted. And it’s not too favorable for Patrick Mahomes and Co. The first quarter set the tone for the drama. How? Texans pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. barely nudged Mahomes after a pass (according to many). That earned him a roughing of the passer penalty. The hit appeared mild to many. And it sparked debate even among ESPN’s broadcast team. Troy Aikman wasn’t convinced. “Hard to tell from that angle if it was in fact helmet-to-helmet, but that’s the call and it gives them a new set of downs.” However, he was not alone.

Rules analyst Russell Yurk doubled down. “It looked like he did come up high with the helmet,” Yurk said. “It looked like that first contact was to the upper chest area. I didn’t see anything there that supported a foul.” This questionable call extended the Chiefs’ drive. Moreover, it allowed them to score. While Texans cornerback Kris Boyd fueled frustrations.

Boyd turned heads early in the match. The referee handed him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Why? He threw his helmet. But that’s not all. He threw the helmet and shoved the special team’s coach, Frank Ross. Fans couldn’t believe it. One wrote, “Kris Boyd just ended his days as a Houston Texan.”

The Texans’ defense rallied. It limited Patrick Mahomes to a field goal early. But penalties like these had already shifted momentum. However, the Chiefs weren’t the only ones playing through (‘apparent’ many would say) adversity.

Top Comment by Bob

Star qbs will always get those calls. They’re the bread and butter of the league. The refs didn’t sack Stroud...more

Share your take

Debate

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud limped back to the sidelines after a hard tackle. And it sparked further concerns. Heat therapy kept him in the game. But his mobility was visibly affected. The Texans fans ultimately faced a crushing disappointment.

Bias towards Mahomes and co.? Fans think so

By halftime, social media was ablaze. A fan posted, “Didn’t put much credence into this whole NFL referee favoring the Kansas City Chiefs business, but now I’m a believer. C’mon man, stop kissing Mahomes’ and the Chiefs’ ass, zebras! Don’t make me pull out my trusty voodoo doll!!!!!” Another added, “Kansas City Chiefs games are unbearable to watch. Referees might as well have on red jerseys 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂,” The online reaction mirrored a growing sentiment. One that says the Chiefs (especially Mahomes) get the benefit of the doubt in crucial moments.

The second quarter saw another wave of penalties that kept the Texans on their heels. Houston’s defense held Mahomes’s offense in check. Yet every stop felt like a mountain climbed. While fans couldn’t help but be frustrated. One wrote, “Referees at it AGAIN! Favoring KC and Bs calls !! Rigged !! Booooo.” Some labeled it biased. Meanwhile, others saw it as poor officiating.

The Chiefs’ two-time defending champion status and Mahomes’ league MVP reputation likely played a role in perceptions. “bro these f—–g referees man I honestly don’t think there’s been a penalty called against the Chiefs at all lol,” one fan wrote on.

The Texans may have fallen short. But their performance showcased their potential despite the odds. Whether the refs are biased or not, fans are demanding accountability. The NFL will need to address these concerns to maintain trust. Patrick Mahomes and co. advance for now. But the calls made on January 18 will echo far beyond this playoff game.