The Kansas City Chiefs' journey to the AFC Championship and Super Bowl LIX has been marked by dramatic on-field action and some controversial officiating decisions. One notable incident involved tight end Travis Kelce and Bills safety Damar Hamlin during Mahomes' second-quarter touchdown run. After Hamlin's unsuccessful tackle attempt, Kelce exchanged words with Hamlin, prompting Bills defensive lineman Jordan Phillips to intervene. Kelce reacted by dramatically falling backward, resulting in a penalty against Phillips. Commentator Tony Romo observed the incident, suggesting Kelce strategically “flopped” to draw the penalty.

This wasn't the first time questionable calls benefited the Chiefs during the playoffs. Their divisional round victory against the Houston Texans also featured a couple of debatable penalties. Furthermore, Mahomes himself acknowledged attempting to draw a flag by exaggerating contact during a sideline run in the AFC Championship. He later admitted in a radio interview to perhaps overdoing it in that instance but defended his actions as a way to avoid unnecessary hits.

These incidents have fueled discussion about the Chiefs' playoff run and raised questions about whether they are benefiting from favorable officiating. As the Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, all eyes will be on the field, not only for the game itself but also for any potential officiating controversies.