"Refs are on KC's payroll" - NFL fans grill referees over Xavier Worthy's controversial catch completion vs. Bills

The Kansas City Chiefs took a five-point lead over the Buffalo Bills into the halftime break in the AFC Championship Game, but their final scoring drive of the half was clouded in controversy.

On a 3rd-and-5 play late in the second quarter, the Bills pass rush had swarmed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who opted to toss the ball to wide receiver Xavier Worthy in double coverage to avoid getting sacked for a loss.

Safety Cole Bishop got to the ball first and had seemingly intercepted the pass. However, Worthy wrestled the ball out of his grasp, and the referees ruled that the wide receiver had possession of the ball after hitting the turf for a 26-yard completion, which set up 1st-and-goal for the Chiefs from the three-yard line.

Buffalo head Sean McDermott threw a challenge flag before Kansas City could run a play, and replays suggested it was a terrific decision. The ball had hit the floor before Worthy had full control. However, the replay officials ruled against the Bills and controversially allowed the decision to stand. Mahomes and the Chiefs capitalized and scored a touchdown to take an 11-point lead.

Fans on social media were incensed about the referees not chalking off Worthy's 26-yard catch:

"Definitely incomplete but the refs are on KC’s payroll."

Some fans weren't surprised that a 50-50 call went in the Chiefs' favor:

"If you didn't think the Chiefs would get the call, then you haven't been watching football the last four years." - Wrote @ahk12rings

"For 31 other teams probably incomplete" - Quipped @MiltonBradleyCK

"Chiefs are going to always get the benefit of all the close calls." - Said @HectorL15884621

Chiefs get another fortuitous call in the fourth quarter vs. Bills

The Chiefs continued to be on the right end of contentious calls in the fourth quarter. On a critical 3rd-and-3 play, quarterback Josh Allen tossed a short pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid, who leaped forward to get the first down. At first viewing, it seemed he had done enough. However, the referees ruled that he was a yard short.

In the subsequent play, Allen tried to sneak to the line-to-gain and he too had seemingly done just about enough to move the chains. However, the referees ruled him short, putting the ball back in Patrick Mahomes' hands, who led the offense down the field for a touchdown.

Three fortuitous calls in the Chiefs' favor led to a 14-point swing in a game that the Bills lost by three points.