NFL Already Rigging Chiefs vs Chargers Week 1 Game?
NFL Already Rigging Chiefs vs Chargers Week 1 Game?
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for their highly anticipated Week 1 matchup in São Paulo, Brazil, with the game scheduled for Friday evening at Arena Corinthians.
This marks the second NFL regular season contest held in Brazil, as the league continues its international expansion efforts with Patrick Mahomes leading the defending AFC champions against Justin Herbert and the Chargers in a divisional rivalry game.
Controversy has already emerged before kickoff, with NFL fans expressing concerns about potential game manipulation following the announcement of the officiating crew.
Referee for Chiefs at Chargers @YouTube — Carl Cheffers
https://t.co/kSZOwh1YaV #KCvsLAC pic.twitter.com/PFe3jXbs6e— Fᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ Zᴇʙʀᴀs🇺🇦 (@footballzebras) September 2, 2025
hearing carl cheffers is reffing a chiefs game feels like finding out your ex is the judge at your custody hearing 💀
— Fernanda 🫶 (@byfermamba) September 2, 2025
The selection of the head referee has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with supporters from multiple teams voicing skepticism about fair officiating and some Kansas City Chiefs fans suggesting they may face disadvantageous calls during the international contest.
Kansas City Chiefs Have A Complicated History With Games Officiated By Carl Cheffers
The relationship between Kansas City and referee Carl Cheffers presents a mixed record of outcomes. During Super Bowl LV, Cheffers’ officiating crew penalized the Chiefs 11 times for 120 yards while flagging Tampa Bay only four times for 39 yards in the Buccaneers’ decisive victory.
Conversely, Cheffers’ crew made the controversial holding call against Philadelphia’s James Bradberry in Super Bowl LVII that helped secure Kansas City’s championship. The penalty occurred late in the fourth quarter and allowed the Chiefs to run down the clock.
These contrasting experiences demonstrate why NFL fans have developed strong opinions about Cheffers when he officiates Kansas City games.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
