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New NFL Playoff Controversy Emerged on Sunday Night

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 27, 2025 12:19 AM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs escaped Arrowhead Stadium with a 32-29 win over Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game. Now, the Chiefs will be in their third straight Super Bowl.

After Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker drilled a go-ahead 35-yard field goal with 3:33 remaining, Allen and the Bills offense failed to get anything going in their final drive of the game. They picked up 17 yards before turning the ball over on downs, ultimately ending the game.

However, the final play of the Bills' possession has become quite the controversy online.

During the CBS broadcast, commentator Jim Nantz mentioned there was a flag on the field, and CBS showed it on the broadcast as well. However, that quickly changed as there was, in fact, no penalty on the play.

"Incomplete," Nantz said. "Kincaid was right there. There is a flag... We're told there's a flag."

WILD CONSPIRACY #NFL FANS ARE SAYING THE REFS HAD A FLAG READY IF THE #BILLS COMPLETED THE DALTON KINCAID 4TH DOWN PLAY.

Jim Nantz and Tony Romo said there was a flag down on the field; once they saw it was incomplete, it somehow disappeared.pic.twitter.com/qzNRjxp6UZ
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 27, 2025

Although Tony Romo mentioned he didn't see a flag and no penalty was called, many NFL fans were not happy with the "mystery flag" situation. They took to social media to leave their thoughts.

"I was wondering what the flag was for I know I saw it," one fan said.

"Sorry but quite literally as we were watching the game my family all said oh wait there’s a flag!!!and then all of a sudden it’s incomplete and there’s no flag…." added another.

"Despicable and disgusting @NFL @nflcommish," wrote a third.

"How in the (expletive) did the FLAG DISSAPEAR? You do the math!" commented a fourth.

"The NFL is rigged. Not one more dime," posted a fifth.

"The mystery flag that we will never know about #Rigged," added a sixth.

Even with the loss, Allen still had a solid game, completing 22-of-34 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also added 39 yards on the ground.

Mahomes and the Chiefs will head back to the Super Bowl, where they will face the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, LA. They are also eyeing the first three-peat in NFL history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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