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Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
The Texans-Chiefs Game Has Fans Asking: Are the Refs in KC's Pocket?
What's going on: Some NFL fans are calling foul on the refs after the Kansas City Chiefs’ win against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Conspiracy theories are swirling about how the officials made multiple calls that favored the Chiefs — specifically, QB Patrick Mahomes. At one point, the ESPN announcers questioned a controversial rough-the-passer flag and said the NFL should revisit the rule in the offseason. (Here’s what Mahomes had to say.) As for the NFL’s response? The referees got it right. That hasn’t done much to quiet fans who are (once again) asking, is the NFL scripted?
Our take: Yes, the Chiefs have benefited in the past from certain calls (see: this penalty during Super Bowl LVII). But as Well Played co-host Caroline Hendershot put it in the show: “I don’t think that any refs are on anyone’s side. There’s just going to be human error with reffing. You can’t replace them with all instant replay.” Another factor: QBs are running the ball a lot more, and since there are specific rules to protect them, defenders are more likely to get a flag. So maybe some fans are feeling sour as the Chiefs get closer to a three-peat.
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🎾 After making it to the Australian Open semifinals, Ben Shelton had some choice words for the media.
📺 Adam Brody in a Super Bowl ad teaser? Everybody wants this.
🏅 Simone Biles faced her toughest competition yet: a Smirnoff Ice. She can’t win gold at everything.
⛷️The men’s winner of a qualifying ski-jumping World Cup event got thousands of dollars, while the woman got… toiletries?
🏁 Lewis Hamilton just hard-launched his new relationship. We’re seeing red.
🏀 A free car and a hug from Ben Stiller? Watch this Knicks fan have the best night ever.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
How does the upcoming Patrick Mahomes-Josh Allen rematch on Sunday stack up against previous QB rivalries?
Many consider Mahomes and Allen to be the modern-day Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning rivalry, the only QBs to face each other more times in the postseason (five). Will Allen finally get his first postseason win over Mahomes? Only time will tell … Allen has beaten Mahomes four times in the regular season, but he has still not beaten him in the playoffs (0-3).
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Co-host of Well Played and reporter for the New York Jets
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