NFL Hands Down Punishment Decision After Mahomes–Broncos Incident

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their second consecutive defeat on Sunday, dropping a close 22-19 decision to the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and slipping to a .500 record at 5-5.

The afternoon wasn’t just costly in the standings for Patrick Mahomes; it also sparked discussion about a possible league fine stemming from an on-field exchange.

Late in the opening quarter, Mahomes rolled right on a scramble before being brought down by Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto and linebacker Justin Strnad, who was starting in place of Alex Singleton after the veteran’s recent cancer announcement.

As Strnad stayed on the turf following the tackle, Mahomes briefly stood over him in what some viewed as an intimidating posture.

Denver fans inside Empower Field immediately called for a taunting flag, but no penalty was thrown.

The league has been particularly strict with taunting this season: over the previous two weeks alone, seven players were disciplined for similar actions.

Just last week, Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates and Houston Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter were both fined. The week before that, the NFL issued fines to Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen, and Washington Commanders linebacker Jordan Magee.

In the end, the league office reviewed the play involving Mahomes and chose not to issue a fine, allowing the two-time MVP to avoid joining that growing list.

Next up for Mahomes and the Chiefs will be a Week 12 matchup at home against the Indianapolis Colts. That game is extremely important for Kansas City to avoid dropping to 5-6 and facing a brutal uphill battle to get into the playoffs.

As for the Broncos, they are set to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 13 after enjoying their bye week in Week 12.