Former NFL Quarterback Accuses Referees of Favoring Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2024 NFL regular season with a closely-contested win over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.

The Chiefs held on to record a 27-20 final score. The Ravens nearly had a chance to tie or take the lead with seconds remaining, but a last-second touchdown from tight end Isaiah Likely was overturned after referees deemed his toe out of bounds.

That call was pretty clear cut, but there were some other more controversial calls throughout the contest.

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert took to social media during the game, accusing NFL referees of favoring the home-team Chiefs.

I actually enjoy watching the Chiefs play football. I love their style and all of that.

I don’t enjoy the refs sliders being set to 70 in favor of them.

They don’t need help to win. They are one of the best teams in this league. Just call it EVEN and let the guys play.

With Thursday night's win, Mahomes and the Chiefs are one step closer to the first ever Super Bowl three-peat. Mahomes finished the Week 1 contest with 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 20-28 passing.

The Chiefs will continue their title-defense campaign with a Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday.