2024 NFL Game Thread – Super Bowl LIX

11d ago

Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles

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Kansas City Chiefs

We've all heard the talk about how the Chiefs are pre-ordained to win the Super Bowl this year. And that the NFL rigs the games to make sure the Chiefs win.

Well, I'm here to tell you that is all complete hogwash!!!

The Kansas City Chiefs are just that good and have never needed any special favors from the Refs or Rog.

Let's examine the record:

The Chiefs have played in 11 playoff games since 2021. Guess how many times the Chiefs have had more penalties called against them then their opponents?? Only once out of 11 games.

Ok that's probably not the best stat to prove there is no truth to the rumours that the NFL wants the Chiefs to win. Let's dive deeper.

How did the Chiefs do in the regular season??

Out of 68 regular season games since 2021:

27 games the Chiefs had less penalty yardage (39.7%)
38 games the Chiefs had more penalty yardage (55.9%)

Well, that should prove it right there according to Chief fans!!!!

Let's look at the playoffs!!!!

10 games the Chiefs had less penalty yardage (90.9%)
1 game the Chiefs had more penalty yardage (9.1%)

The Chiefs have gone 10-1 in those 11 playoff games with two Super Bowl wins and potentially a third on the way.

In total, the Chiefs have 36 penalties in those 11 games...their opponents have 66.

If you don't believe me here's ESPN:

But, maybe they were just meaningless “penalties” by the opposing team. Let's take a closer look:

3 total Defensive Pass Interference or Defensive Holding called on the Chiefs.
11 total Defensive Pass Interference or Defensive Holding called on their opponents.

1 total Roughing the Passer (15 yards) called on the Chiefs.
7 total Roughing the Passer (15 yards) called on their opponents.

1 total Unnecessary Roughness (15 yards) called on the Chiefs.
4 total Unnecessary Roughness (15 yards) called on their opponents.

0 total Unsportsmanlike (15 yards) called on the Chiefs.
1 total Unsportsmanlike (15 yards) called on their opponents.

The Chiefs have 18.84 Expected Points Added as a result of penalties in those 11 games and 8 of those 11 games were decided by 1 score or less.

Ok sure, that looks even worse, but look at how other teams fared in this time period!

Teams with at least 5 playoff games during this span and the net games where penalty yardage was in their favor:

Chiefs: 10-1 in their favor, net +9
Ravens: 3-2 in their favor, net +1
Rams: 4-3 in their favor, net +1
Eagles: 3-4 against them, net -1
49ers: 4-5 against them, net -1
Bills: 3-5 against them, net -2
Bucs: 2-4 against them, net -2
Bengals: 1-6 against them, net -5

The only real conclusion you can make from this is that the Chiefs are the most well-coached team that has ever played in the NFL.