"It’s rigged for the Chiefs" - Fans slam NFL referees for missing false start penalty on KC after overtime win vs. Buccaneers

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime on Monday to remain undefeated in the 2024 season. Patrick Mahomes, despite a nagging left ankle injury, was dominant, throwing for three touchdowns and 291 yards. Meanwhile, DeAndre Hopkins caught two touchdowns.

However, the win was not without controversy. On the penultimate play, Jawaan Taylor moved before the snap but was not called for a false start, allowing Kareem Hunt to overwhelm the defense for the walkoff touchdown.

There was much anger at the non-call:

"Of course it’s rigged for the Chiefs why wouldn’t it be!"

More of it can be seen below:

"Tampa Bay got robbed. This was an embarrassing display of officiating! The league needs to do better. THIS IS UNFAIR!" one raged.

"They can’t keep getting away with this," one groaned.

"When officiating a Chiefs game the refs turn into STEVIE WONDER", another's "comparison" read.

The Chiefs are the last unbeaten team standing. The Buccaneers fell below .500 for the first time this season.

Key takeaways from Chiefs vs. Buccaneers after false start penalty plays spoilsport for Tampa

From a close game like this, there are a few lessons that can be learned:

DeAndre Hopkins will be the Chiefs’ top receiver

2023 was a year to forget for the Chiefs’ WR room, as they dropped multiple passes. So during the offseason, Brett Veach decided to enlist some help. He brought in free agent Marquise Brown, then drafted Xavier Worthy and extended Mecole Hardman.

A problem soon emerged as Brown injured his shoulder, so JuJu Smith-Schuster returned after his early exodus from Foxboro. However, he has also been rather anonymous. Hence, the trade for DeAndre Hopkins.

With Travis Kelce slow to regain his form, hopes are that the five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler will become the deep threat this team needs.

The Buccaneers’ run game must stop disappearing

None of the Buccaneers’ rushers managed to hit even 30 yards, as the opposing defense just overwhelmed them. Normal starter Rachaad White may have scored the game’s first touchdown, but he was otherwise a non-factor - a fatal blow to a squad that is already missing its top two wideouts.

If the Buccaneers are to retain the NFC South title, then their ground game has to play above their name value.

The Chiefs have a good chance to go 17-0

A quick look at the remaining Chiefs games reveals something fascinating: only two teams, their fellow divisional rival winner Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans, have a realistic chance of defeating them.

Divisional rivals, the Denver Broncos are parading a rookie quarterback who, while good, has also had his fair share of baffling losses. The Las Vegas Raiders are collapsing and the Los Angeles Chargers are a team they should be able to handle.

As for the rest of the opponents, the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns are among the league’s worst teams, while the Pittsburgh Steelers, while leading the AFC North, do not have the best offensive situation.