Is it all just a coincidence? Memes about Patrick Mahomes and referees have got people thinking.
A recent study from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) suggests that the trends we see during games aren’t all in our heads. The Chiefs have seemingly benefited from some generous officiating in crucial matchups.
Looking at over 13,000 penalty calls between 2015 and 2023, researchers observed that “postseason referees have tended to favor the Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs,” especially as they became a prominent and marketable team.
This theory, outlined by lead author Dr. Spencer Barnes, an assistant professor of finance, takes into account critical moments like playoffs and key televised games.
“When a league’s financial stability is at stake, subtle shifts in rule enforcement may emerge to maintain market appeal,” the study suggests.
The research appears to touch on a small part of Travis Kelsey’s connection with pop star Taylor Swift, as they began dating in the summer of 2023.
Swift’s appearance at a game on September 24, 2023, boosted viewership numbers significantly, drawing 24.3 million viewers on Fox compared to a normal 15 million.
Many fans believe Swift’s popularity has prompted the league to back the Chiefs even more.
However, the study’s findings present a more nuanced picture.
In a playoff scenario, penalties against Kansas City averaged 2.36 yards more than the norm, and calls were 23% more likely to result in a first down for the team.
Additionally, subjective infractions like roughing the passer and pass interference were noted to occur 28% more often.
Prior reports indicate that Mahomes has been subjected to .412 passer penalties per postseason match, notably higher than the league average of .12.
Conversely, during the regular season, the Chiefs surprisingly see fewer penalty yards than expected and have a lower likelihood of first downs compared to league averages.
According to the UTEP study, the Chiefs appear to have a clear edge during critical playoff moments, unlike another football dynasty, the Patriots, which doesn’t show a similar pattern.
“The consistent favoritism in postseason penalties pointed toward one franchise, unlike others, hints at the influence of financial stakes on ostensibly impartial judgments,” said Dr. Barnes.
As the Chiefs head into Week 7, they remain favorites for the Super Bowl and clearly stand out as one of the league’s top contenders.
In a recent match, the Chiefs secured a 30-17 victory, even amid questionable officiating during ‘Sunday Night Football,’ which falls outside this study’s purview.
Kelsey caught an essential pass on third down, but there were concerns it might have been incomplete, pending further review.
The Chiefs quickly moved to run their next play before any re-evaluation could take place.
Currently sitting at 3-3, the Chiefs are set to face the Raiders on Sunday, gearing up for a challenging lineup ahead that includes games against the Commanders, Bills, and Broncos.
