Calls Mount for Bengals-Chiefs NFL Officiating Crew to be Investigated

The Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs met for a memorable matchup on Sunday. The game might be memorable for the wrong reasons.

The Bengals were on the unfortunate end of controversial officiating in the game. Perhaps the most consequential call came on 4th and 16 with the Bengals in need of a stop.

Bengals rookie defensive back Daijahn Anthony looked to make a play on the football to break up a fourth down pass. Rather than getting to the football, Anthony made contact with the Chiefs' intended receiver, Rashee Rice.

Several questioned the call, though Anthony made contact with Rice before the ball reached the Kansas City receiver. Still many viewed the play as a bailout call for the Chiefs.

The pass interference wasn't the only questionable call in the game. The NFL officials on hand missed a blatant hold by a Chiefs offensive lineman during the contest.

The missed calls prompted questions over whether or not the officials fairly called the game. Some speculated about the possibility that the officiating crew intentionally called a slanted game against the Bengals.

A potential playoff rematch looms should both teams play up to expectations. A healthy Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a Super Bowl in the 2021 season at quarterback. Burrow will have to overcome his team's slow start in 2024.

With the win, the Chiefs improve to 2-0. The Bengals fall to 0-2 on the year.

Related: Chiefs Trail Bengals 16-10 at Halftime as Turnovers Prove Costly