Are the refs pro-Chiefs? FOX's Mike Pereira dismisses 'myth'

For weeks, social media has been buzzing with conspiracy theories that the NFL is rigging games in favor of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The claims intensified after several playoff calls went in Kansas City’s favor, leading fans to speculate about referee bias ahead of the Super Bowl.

FOX Sports officiating expert Mike Pereira, a former NFL head of officiating, told the Associated Press there’s no truth to the theory. Pereira, along with other experts, argues that the Chiefs do not receive preferential treatment and that the numbers do not support claims of systematic bias.

Despite this, the conversation surrounding officiating has become one of the biggest narratives heading into the Super Bowl, putting additional scrutiny on referees and the league.

Are referees biased toward the Chiefs?

What they're saying:

Allegations that referees favor the Chiefs, particularly quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have circulated online, especially after controversial calls in the playoffs. However, Pereira and other officials say these claims are baseless.

Pereira called the theory a "myth," while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell labeled it "ridiculous." The head of the officiating union also called it "insulting" to referees.

"I feel badly for the officials. I feel badly for the game, because from our standpoint, (favoritism) just doesn’t happen," Pereira said.

Despite public perception, officials who have worked Chiefs games say they follow the same standards for all teams.

Do the numbers back up the claims?

By the numbers:

Despite social media chatter about referee favoritism, statistics show no evidence of systemic bias benefiting the Chiefs.

• Kansas City has been penalized 120 more yards than their opponents in regular-season and playoff games since 2022.
• The team has benefited from 10 fewer first downs by penalty on key third- and fourth-down plays than their opponents.
• The Chiefs’ penalty-yard differential in close games is minimal, contradicting theories that refs favor them in crucial moments.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

If the NFL were rigging games for the Chiefs, experts argue that the penalty data would likely reflect a clear pattern in their favor—but it doesn’t.

Why do mobile quarterbacks like Mahomes get certain calls?

The other side:

FOX officiating analyst Dean Blandino and Pereira explained that officiating mobile quarterbacks like Mahomes can be more challenging.

Officials must strike a balance between protecting quarterbacks from late hits and ensuring defenders can make clean stops. This was evident in the Chiefs’ playoff win over the Texans when:

• Houston was flagged for hitting Mahomes in the helmet after a late slide.
• Officials ignored a flop by Mahomes on the sideline, showing they aren’t automatically giving him calls.

Blandino noted that Mahomes, like other mobile quarterbacks, is often on the move, which can make officiating his plays more difficult compared to traditional pocket passers.

What’s next for Super Bowl officiating?

What's next:

With the Chiefs set to play in another Super Bowl, all eyes will be on the officiating crew led by referee Ron Torbert. Pereira said that while officials may feel added pressure from the controversy, they will approach the game like any other.

"Subconsciously, it’s always been shown that there’s a lesser number of penalties in the playoffs and specifically the Super Bowl. I think because they want to stay out of the story if they can," Pereira said.

Officiating has always been a hot topic in the NFL, but with the Chiefs’ recent playoff run, the scrutiny is higher than ever. Whether or not controversial calls emerge in the Super Bowl, the conversation about referee bias isn’t likely to fade anytime soon.

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