NFL's Fumble-Touchback Rule Under Scrutiny After Chiefs-Bills Game

Despite Controversial Fumble, Chiefs Advance to Sixth Straight AFC Championship

Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Mecole Hardman's fumble through the end zone during the AFC playoff game against the Buffalo Bills has reignited discussions about the NFL's controversial fumble-touchback rule.
The rule, which awards possession of the ball to the opposing team if a player fumbles the ball through the end zone, is considered by many to be too harsh and is expected to be reviewed in the offseason.
Despite the fumble, the Chiefs still managed to win the game 27-24, advancing to their sixth straight appearance in the AFC championship game.
Alternatives to the current rule could include awarding the ball back to the offense at the point of the fumble, awarding possession to the defense at the spot of the fumble, or giving the ball back to the offense but with a touchback that would amount to starting that drive over.
This wouldn't be the first rule change prompted by a Chiefs-Bills playoff game; in March 2022, a rule was ratified guaranteeing each team at least one overtime possession in postseason games tied after regulation.