The game itself was defined by momentum swings and a barrage of flags. Kansas City was penalized repeatedly in the first half, particularly on special teams, where four early penalties — including a rare block-in-the-back call later described by the Kansas City Star as “one of the most unusual penalties of the NFL season” — handed the Broncos premium field position. One of those flags added 15 yards to a Marvin Mims return, placing Denver at the Chiefs’ 11-yard line and setting up an early touchdown. Chiefs fans immediately reacted online, arguing that officiating was “unreasonably strict” against Kansas City in the opening quarters.
Riley moss grabs jersey but wr falls on his own, dpi. Bonitto gets held to ground, no call. Fuck these refs #broncos #chiefs pic.twitter.com/GlGwcEeJra
— tperodactyl (@tperodactyl) November 16, 2025
The third quarter delivered the most polarizing moment of the night. With the Chiefs facing third-and-14, Patrick Mahomes lofted a pressured throw that was intercepted by Broncos corner Ja’Quan McMillian, who appeared to have a clear lane for a game-changing return. But a holding penalty on Denver’s return team nullified the play, pushing the Broncos back to their own 10-yard line. Sporting News noted that without the penalty “Kansas City would have been punting,” calling it a moment that unquestionably shifted momentum. The Chiefs capitalized with a field goal to take a 13–10 lead, sparking accusations from both fanbases — Kansas City insisting the league protected Mahomes, Denver arguing the call punished them unfairly.
The final controversy arrived in the closing minute. With the game tied 19–19, Broncos rookie Troy Franklin visibly twitched before the snap on the team’s game-winning drive — a clear false start that went uncalled. Franklin later hauled in a crucial catch that positioned Denver for the winning field goal. Former Chiefs lineman Mitchell Schwartz commented on social media, “Thought it was a false start. Watson was pointing right at it.” The Kansas City Star added that the Broncos “got away with a penalty on the game-winning drive,” fueling claims that officiating tilted toward Denver in the most critical moments.
As the uproar grew, Terrell Davis addressed the controversy during a CBS Denver appearance, delivering a candid assessment that surprised even Broncos supporters. “Nobody loves this team more than I do,” Davis said. “But we cannot pretend this was a clean night. Some calls helped us. Some no-calls helped us. That’s the truth.” He emphasized that Denver still executed under pressure, but insisted on acknowledging what millions watched unfold. “Being a Bronco means being honest about the game. We benefitted from certain moments. That shouldn’t be ignored.”
His comments quickly went viral, adding a respected voice to a debate still raging across the NFL landscape. The league has found no systemic bias in officiating, according to ESPN, but fans continue to dissect every angle and slow-motion replay.
In a rivalry already defined by intensity, Broncos 22, Chiefs 19 will be remembered not only for the football, but for a Hall of Famer willing to speak openly about a night overshadowed by whistles, no-calls, and the battle for fairness in the NFL.
