Overview
- The peer-reviewed analysis, published in Financial Review and led by UTEP assistant professor Spencer Barnes, examined more than 13,000 defensive penalty calls from 2015 to 2023.
- In playoff games, penalties against Chiefs opponents averaged 2.36 more yards, were 23% more likely to result in first downs for Kansas City, and included 28% more subjective flags such as pass interference and roughing the passer.
- The reported effect was concentrated in the postseason, whereas regular-season penalties for the Chiefs were less likely than league norms to yield yardage and first downs.
- Researchers said prior dynasties, including the Tom Brady–Bill Belichick Patriots, did not show comparable postseason advantages in officiating.
- The findings have renewed fan and media scrutiny of officiating, even as commissioner Roger Goodell has dismissed favoritism claims and the league has not announced any investigation.