In the AFC Championship Game victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs made a defensive stand, stopping a sneak from quarterback Josh Allen on fourth-and-1. The play was reviewed and the ruling upheld, touching off protests on social media and keeping Kansas City squarely in the center of attention when it comes to questionable calls.

The NFL referees union addressed what it called "conspiracy theories" that officials show bias in favor of Super Bowl champs the Kansas City Chiefs.

The head of the union representing NFL officials calls allegations that officiating crews are biased in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs or any other team “insulting and preposterous.”