Chiefs offense lines up for a play vs. ravens defense.Chiefs vs. Ravens season opener (Photo via NBC)
Football fans are calling the Kansas City Chiefs-Baltimore Ravens game rigged after the officials missed several obvious penalties against Patrick Mahomes’ team.

During the first half of the Chiefs-Ravens NFL Kickoff Game, the NFL refs called a whopping four illegal formation penalties against Baltimore, including three on the game’s opening drive.

Even if you agree that all four of those infractions against the Ravens were correctly called, one can’t possibly overlook the officials’ failure to call it both ways. For example, take these, clear-as-day “false start and illegal formation penalties against Kansas City’s Jawaan Taylor that went uncalled:

And so, football fans are naturally ripping on the NFL refs and accusing them of “rigging” the game in favor of Kansas City:

It wouldn’t be your typical NFL game, especially a highly anticipated one like Baltimore vs. Kansas City, without the NFL refs stealing the spotlight early and often. Unfortunately, fans are again reminded that they’re in for another year full of controversies with the officials.

You may recall that the Chiefs were also the beneficiary of several questionable calls against the San Francisco 49ers in their Super Bowl 58 victory. Now that Kansas City is among the most hated NFL teams (their non-stop winning and all), you can expect plenty more accusations throughout the year that the league is rigging it in their favor.

Another Reminder That NFL Refs Have Lots Of Room For Improvement

There aren’t many jobs in the sporting world that are harder than being an NFL official. Fans understand the challenges and pressure they face, but there’s no questioning that the NFL hasn’t done enough to help enhance the officiating.

The NFL rarely reprimands its officials if they have awful performances. The league has had more than enough time to make all plays reviewable, but they still rely on the refs to make judgment calls on fouls like pass interference, roughing the passer, and holding.

So unless the league does something to change its officiating system, the controversies will never go away.