The Chiefs played the Buffalo Bills on January 26, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, during the AFC Championship.
The Kansas City Chiefs cleared their last hurdle to the historic Super Bowl after defeating the Buffalo Bills. However, some NFL fans argue that the Chiefs’ victory was undeserved, citing preferential treatment from the referees.
A fan weighs in on the Kansas City Chiefs win against the Buffalo Bills, from a post dated January 27, 2025 | Source: X/DutchButters
The Chiefs secured a 32-29 victory over the visiting Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game, earning a spot in the Super Bowl against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles. Nevertheless, some fans believe their win was rigged, with some even accusing the NFL of scripting the outcome.
One user began with a simple accusation, writing, “#nfl is rigged [sic] button————————>.” Another fan expressed frustration, “🙄 again all over…with refs favoritism for Chiefs lets [sic] see how this Super Bowls goes.” A third fan suggested, “Just as the nfl [sic] scripted it. If you don’t think this game was scripted, look at the refs. Unreal.”
A fan was particularly critical, asking, “Just wondering, are you seriously proud of a team that ONLY WINS because of the refs? When EVERYONE, commentators, other players, and coaches notice how rigged this is it makes football almost unbearable to watch. But hey go on celebrating your ‘win.'”
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills during the second half of the AFC Championship football game, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Another user shared their discontent with the officials, “Terrible Refs in that game. Its like its rigged or something… [sic].” One fan vowed to tune out, “Won’t be giving no attention to the Scripted Bowl this year, quite frankly, I’m losing interest in the NFL with the continuous rule changes and the refs pampering Mahones and the Chiefs.”
A disappointed viewer echoed similar thoughts, “I will barely be watching! I am annoyed & very disappointed with how the refs handled the Chiefs & Bills game. It’s hard to watch!!!! Sick of the Chiefs! Let’s go Hurts & Barkley!”
One more fan joined in, saying, “We aren’t gonna pretend the Chiefs earned this right? Every single close game is always bailed out by the refs.” Another user added, “Saw the score of bills vs chiefs while i was at work and it is safe to say me + all my coworkers were very disappointed😖😖 [sic].”
However, not all comments were negative. A fan full of praise, penned, “Great game! 🏆,” and another took a playful jab at the critics, “Haters gonna hate hate hate… GO CHIEFS!!! ❤️💛.”
The Chiefs’ win against the Buffalo Bills is monumental, as it means they will be going to their third consecutive Super Bowl. Led by head coach Andy Reid, the players are not slowing down in their Super Bowl takeover.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes credited their victory against the Buffalo Bills to teamwork, emphasizing his trust in his teammates. He also expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering and vocal support in the arena.
Patrick Mahomes reacts prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 18, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Mahomes also took the bold step to address the growing controversy surrounding accusations of referee favoritism toward the Chiefs during the postseason. “I’ve kind of learned that no matter what happens during the game, something is going to come out about (the refs) if you win, if you continue to win,” he acknowledged.
The quarterback made it clear that he doesn’t focus on the referee discussions and believes that the players’ performances are what truly decide the results. He concluded, “Obviously, there was a call here and there that people didn’t agree with, but at the same time I think there were a lot of other plays that really decided the outcome of that football game.”
Tight end Travis Kelce has also not paid attention to talks about referees’ preference. He has urged the Chiefs’ fans to celebrate the win as the team gears up for their much-anticipated Super Bowl appearance.
Travis Kelce celebrates after the Chiefs defeat the Buffalo Bills 32-29 to win the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
In 1970, the Chiefs claimed their first Super Bowl victory, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23–7. After a 50-year drought, they triumphed again in 2020, beating the San Francisco 49ers 31–20. In 2023, they secured a thrilling 38–35 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Most recently, in Super Bowl 2024, they emerged victorious with a 25–22 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
When the Chiefs won their second consecutive Super Bowl, Kelce was already excited about a possible third win. He said, “Well, you know the goal has always been to get three. But we couldn’t get here without getting that two, and having that target on our back all year. … How about that. We get a chance to do it three times in a row.”
Now, the Eagles and Chiefs are heading to the 2025 Super Bowl for a rematch. The Chiefs, having won the last two are looking for a first-ever three consecutive wins at the Super Bowl LIX. Meanwhile, the Eagles will be seeking the second championship in franchise history.
