Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

Eagles pummel Commanders, punch ticket to Super Bowl LIX with NFC Championship win

The Philadelphia Eagles are back in the Super Bowl after the dynamic duo of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley combined for six rushing touchdowns in the 55-23 beatdown of the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship.

Philadelphia will wait to see who will represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills get underway in the Midwest on Sunday night.

Hurts and the Eagles were in the “Big Game” in 2022, where they lost to the Chiefs in Arizona. But what the Eagles didn’t have then was Barkley, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2024, and he showed why he might be the missing piece to win the Vince Lombardi after an incredible performance at home.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

On just the first offensive snap for the Eagles in this game, following an 18-play Commanders opening drive that ended with a field goal, Barkley ripped off a 60-yard touchdown run to immediately put the Eagles up 7-3 after the extra point.

The Commanders’ response wasn’t a good one, as receiver Dyami Brown fumbled after a Zack Baun punch while tackling his opponent. And unfortunately for Washington, fumbles became a bad trend throughout this game.

The last time these two teams played, the Commanders turned the ball over five times. However, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders ended up winning on a last-second drive in a 22-point fourth quarter.

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But the comeback didn’t happen this time with the turnovers, as Jeremy McNichols fumbled on a kick return near the end of the first half, and Austin Ekeler fumbled in the second half.

And all of those turnovers led to touchdowns.

Barkley scored from four yards out after the Brown fumble, and Hurts got his first tush push score of the game to make it 20-12 near halftime, he found A.J. Brown for his only passing touchdown of the content to take a solid 27-12 lead into the locker room.

The second half, though, is where things unraveled for Dan Quinn’s Commanders, as Hurts’ second touchdown on the ground was a nine-yard score in the third quarter to make it 35-14. And despite Daniels scoring on the ground himself to cut the lead a bit, Ekeler’s fumble saw another tush push touchdown for Hurts to make it three on the night.

With desperation on their sideline, Quinn had no choice but to force Daniels to go for it on every fourth down as the fourth quarter began, and Nolan Smith’s sack on fourth-and-11 ultimately led Barkley to his third touchdown with a four-yard run, which basically sealed the deal at 48-23.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown (11) and Washington Commanders’ Marshon Lattimore (23) exchange words after a play during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The last-ditch effort from Daniels in the fourth was a deep ball down the left sideline to Terry McLaurin, who scored a 36-yard touchdown earlier in the game, but it was intercepted in the end zone by rookie Quinyon Mitchell.

The cherry on top for Philadelphia was, with the backups in the game, Will Shipley scoring a touchdown from two yards out after ripping a 57-yard run earlier in the drive.

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Celebrations ensued for the home team, and rightfully so after incredible performances from Hurts (20-for-28 for 246 yards), Barkley (15 rushes for 118 yards) and Brown (six catches for 96 yards).

For the Commanders, Zach Ertz, the former Eagles tight end, certainly did his part with 11 catches for 104 yards. Daniels finished 29-for-48 for 255 yards, while rushing for 48 yards on six carries.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Commanders get warning over penalties while trying to stop Eagles from scoring in bizarre sequence

The Washington Commanders fumbled the ball away for their third turnover of the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and some chaos ensued as Saquon Barkley got the team down to the goal line.

Barkley busted free for a 22-yard run on the third play of the drive and got the Eagles within one yard of adding to their lead.

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Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu during the first half of the NFC Championship, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Jalen Hurts tried to break into the end zone but was stopped. Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was called for a defensive offsides. Then, after getting stopped, Washington committed three straight penalties to try to stop what they knew was coming.

Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu tried to jump the play two straight times. He was called for encroachment penalties. Then Allen was called for encroachment. The Commanders were then warned that officials could reward the Eagles with a score if they purposely kept trying to jump the play and pick up a penalty.

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

After Allen’s foul, Hurts was able to get pushed into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the game. Philadelphia went up 41-23 with 12:24 to go in the game.

Hurts had the Eagles rolling all game long. He ran the ball into the end zone three times and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver A.J. Brown earlier in the game.

Barkley ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 60-yard gallop.

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Philadelphia neared its second Super Bowl appearance in three years.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Taylor Swift arrives at Chiefs-Bills AFC Championship in black Louis Vuitton outfit

Taylor Swift arrived at Arrowhead Stadium dressed in a black jacket with gold Louis Vuitton lettering as she got set to cheer on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills later on Sunday.

Swift also wore a black Louis Vuitton beanie, a black skirt and red tights as she was seen in the tunnel before she went up to her suite to watch the game with her crew.

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Taylor Swift arrives at Arrowhead Stadium before the AFC Championship on Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The pop star has been at a few Chiefs games this season between some breaks in between her “Eras Tour.” But now that the tour is over, Swift is back in her place at Arrowhead Stadium leading the Chiefs Kingdom in their support for Kelce and company.

Last week, Swift was seen sitting with Caitlin Clark as the Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans. The Indiana Fever star is a massive Chiefs fan. They were seen celebrating Kelce’s touchdown in the second half of the game.

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Taylor Swift and her team arrive at Arrowhead Stadium before the AFC Championship on Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Kansas City is hoping to do the unthinkable: win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. No NFL team has accomplished the feat since the league merged with the American Football League.

Swift was right by the Chiefs’ side during last year’s playoff run, which included a divisional-round victory against the Bills.

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Patrick Mahomes is 3-0 against Josh Allen and the Bills in the playoffs, but Buffalo had Kansas City’s number during their regular-season meeting in New York.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Eagles’ AJ Brown pushes Commanders’ Marshon Lattimore’s helmet off in mid-game brouhaha

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown and Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore had to be pulled apart as they got into a brouhaha in the NFC Championship on Sunday.

The incident occurred after Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran into the end zone for a touchdown from the 1-yard line with under 2 minutes to play in the first half. Off to the right, Brown and Lattimore locked horns.

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Eagles’ A.J. Brown and Washington Commanders’ Marshon Lattimore exchange words after a play during the NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The two players were pushing each other in the helmet. Brown pushed Lattimore’s helmet off his face. Lattimore was penalized for unnecessary roughness, and it gave the Eagles a great opportunity for a 2-point try. However, Washington locked in and stopped Hurts’ sneak.

No other player was penalized for the flare-up.

Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler. Washington acquired him in a trade with the New Orleans Saints in the middle of the season. He appeared in two games for the Commanders during the regular season and had three pass-breakups.

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Eagles’ A.J. Brown and Washington Commanders’ Marshon Lattimore get into an altercation during the NFC Championship, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown pushes Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s helmet off, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Lattimore is a fiery competitor. He’s been seen in multiple skirmishes with Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans as the two players competed during NFC South rivalry games when the cornerback was on the Saints.

Brown, Lattimore’s foe in this skirmish, ended up scoring on the Eagles’ following drive. He caught a 4-yard pass from Hurts to push Philadelphia’s lead even higher.

He went into the half leading Philadelphia in receiving with four catches for 61 yards and the touchdown.

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Philadelphia had a 27-15 lead at the break.

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January 26, 2025
Bills’ Mack Hollins drums up fashion statement with ‘Muppets’ gear at AFC Championship

Buffalo Bills eccentric wide receiver Mack Hollins did much more than just walk into a stadium barefoot again on Sunday ahead of the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hollins showed up at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium wearing a full “Animal” costume, a beloved Muppets character, and it included a big, red head.

Hollins also wore a red-and-yellow crop top shirt and beige cutoffs just like Animal.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins warms up before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)

It might be Chiefs colors, but Animal is known for being wild and unpredictable when playing for the fictional “Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem” band.

Perhaps that’s the type of mindset Hollins has entering enemy territory, wanting to be an animal to help his Bills reach the Super Bowl.

CHIEFS MAY HAVE ONE ADVANTAGE OVER THE BILLS AHEAD OF THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP, ANDY REID SAYS

Hollins has turned heads by showing up in freezing cold temperatures on game day without any shoes or socks.

He’s a big advocate of “grounding,” also known as earthing, where you walk with bare feet to connect to the planet’s natural electrical charge. It provides a therapeutic release for many.

Hollins also has a growing social presence, especially on TikTok, where he shares homecare tips, fun science projects for kids, and more.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. (Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images)

But Hollins’ primary focus is making this latest chapter of the Bills-Chiefs rivalry have a happy ending for his squad.

The Chiefs head into their home field advantage as the favorites to reach the Super Bowl for the third straight season, with hopes of becoming the first team in league history to win three straight Vince Lombardi trophies.

Meanwhile, Josh Allen and the Bills want to finally get their shot at the Super Bowl, which would be the first time Buffalo reaches the “Big Game” in 31 years.

Allen is one that sprays the ball around the field, and Khalil Shakir is usually the security blanket for him in the pass game. Hollins, though, provides a big-body presence, especially in the red zone.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins reacts to catching a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)

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In these playoffs, Hollins has one catch on two targets in each game. During the regular season, he had five touchdowns on his 31 receptions for 378 yards.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
South Carolina suspends DJ who controversially played song to troll LSU, Flau’jae Johnson

University of South Carolina athletics said Sunday it suspended the DJ who played a song to troll the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team and its star Flau’jae Johnson after the Gamecocks’ win in their pivotal matchup.

No. 2 South Carolina topped No. 5 LSU, 66-56, on Friday night. The Gamecocks’ win ended the Tigers’ undefeated streak to start the season.

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LSU head coach Kim Mulkey talks to guard Flau’jae Johnson during the game against South Carolina in Columbia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

South Carolina’s official DJ, DJ T.O., played the instrumental version of Camoflauge’s “Cut Friends.” Camoflauge was shot and killed in Savannah, Georgia, outside Pure Pain Records while he was walking his son. He is the father of Flau’jae Johnson and the shooting occurred six months before she was born, according to NOLA.com.

DJ T.O. reshared someone’s post about the song on Instagram and wrote “My bad” with a cry-laughing emoji.

Flau’jae is a rapper in her own right and has dedicated her career to her late father. She called out the DJ on X.

DUKE’S COOPER FLAGG DESCRIBED AS ‘GENERATIONAL’ PLAYER AFTER PERFORMANCE IN WIN OVER WAKE FOREST

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson goes up to shoot a jumper over Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)

“I’ll take my L on the chin, but this just nasty behavior. Nun funny bout that,” Johnson wrote on Saturday.

South Carolina then addressed the incident.

“We are addressing Friday night’s inappropriate in-game song selection and subsequent Instagram post by the DJ who is hired to work our women’s basketball games,” the school said. “Her actions were understandably upsetting to Flau’jae Johnson and her family and disrespectful to the LSU program and fans. Conference rivalries and passionate fan bases should only serve to enhance sports, not be used to target individual players personally.

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson shoots past Florida guard Me’Arah O’Neal on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. (AP Photo/Alan Youngblood)

“We regret that it came to that in our venue after a game that saw both teams capture the level of national attention that women’s basketball has earned and we apologize to Flau’jae, her family and LSU.

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“As a result of her actions, DJ T.O. will be suspended for the next women’s basketball home game, and we will meet with her to provide further education on our expectations of her in the future.”

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Eagles’ Saquon Barkley sends NFL fans into frenzy with incredible TD run to start NFC title game

The Philadelphia Eagles answered the Washington Commanders’ long drive to start the NFC Championship with a rather short one.

It only took 18 seconds. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts pitched the ball back to running back Saquon Barkley and the superstar player did the rest.

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Eagles running back Saquon Barkley celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Barkley found a hole, broke one tackle and spun around a Commanders defender to run for a 60-yard touchdown. Philadelphia went up 7-3 early in the first quarter.

Jayden Daniels led Washington on an 18-play, 54-yard drive to begin the game. The Commanders made two fourth-down conversions before Zane Gonzalez nailed a 34-yard field goal. On Washington’s next drive, the Eagles defense caused wide receiver Dyami Brown to fumble and Philadelphia recovered.

The Eagles and their fans were buzzing at Lincoln Financial Field. The NFL world was just as hyped on social media.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts pitched the ball back to running back Saquon Barkley and the superstar player did the rest. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Barkley wasn’t done. He scored again later in the first quarter as the Eagles went up 14-3.

Barkley appeared to be building upon his incredible performance in the Eagles’ divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams. He had two long touchdown runs in the win to go along with his 205 rushing yards. Philadelphia won the game 28-22.

The former New York Giants running back has run for at least 100 yards in four straight games and nearing a fifth straight game. The streak dated back to Philadelphia’s three-point loss to Washington on Dec. 22.

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The winner of the NFC Championship will punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIX.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels to auction custom-made jacket to benefit Los Angeles firefighters

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to play the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles with a heavy heart.

Daniels is set to auction one of his personalized Commanders coats to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department, which has been dealing with destructive and devastating wildfires in the region.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels warms up before the NFC Championship game against the Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

The rookie was born in Fontana, California, and attended Cajon High School in San Bernardino before he committed to Arizona State and later transferred to LSU.

The jacket has Daniels’ No. 5 emblazoned on it with the team name on the right cuff and left breast. The bottom of the burgundy and gold coat reads “Welcome to the team.” The station said the inside of the jacket features the phrase “L.A. Strong.”

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels speaks to the media during a press conference, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Ashburn, Virginia. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, made the jacket for Daniels. The designer went viral last year for her custom-made jackets for Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner. Swift wore her jacket to a Chiefs game and Lautner wore his to a Lions game.

“We teamed up to auction off this one to help those in need who were (affected) by the LA fires,” she wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories.

Only one will be auctioned.

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The wildfires in Los Angeles left unfathomable destruction in their wake. Firefighters received some rain to help them battle the infernos but officials have warned of the risk of toxic ash runoff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce says he ‘used to dream of being like’ what Josh Allen is as quarterback

Before he became one of the best tight ends in the NFL ever, Travis Kelce was an all-conference high school quarterback who passed for more than 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior year.

He committed to the Cincinnati Bearcats football program as a tight end and played quarterback in wildcat formations. He emerged as a better pass-catcher than passer and became a third-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

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Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce talks with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Oct. 16, 2022. (Denny Medley-USA Today Sports)

Kelce admitted on Friday ahead of the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills that he wanted to be a quarterback much in the style of Josh Allen.

“Josh is who I used to dream of being like in the NFL,” he told reporters. “Big, athletic quarterback. Big arm. Being able to be a dual-threat guy.

“His ability to do everything – you can tell, he really took the bull by the horns and been their leader up front, and channeled that. Guys come in and out of the building and he’s the main guy that makes them go, and I have a lot of respect for that guy.”

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Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the AFC divisional round game in Kansas City, Jan. 18, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

Kelce had been gifted the opportunity to throw the football three times in the regular season and once in the playoffs. He came through in the clutch in the postseason, throwing a touchdown pass in the 2021 divisional-round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Allen, a 6-foot-5, 237-pound gunslinger, has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and is vying for the first NFL MVP award of his career.

He’s been the face of the Bills since he took over the starting job. He had 3,731 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes this season. He also ran for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

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The two teams will meet again with a trip to Super Bowl LIX on the line.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025
ESPN’s Adam Schefter under fire for using Patrick Mahomes as reference for possible NFL change

ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter faced criticism on Saturday for his report about the league possibly considering using replay assist when it came to quarterback slides.

Schefter wrote on X, “For all those complaining that Patrick Mahomes gets too many calls, relief soon could be on the way.” The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was criticized for the late slide against the Houston Texans that led to an unnecessary roughness penalty after linebacker Henry To’oTo’o hit him right after he dropped to the ground.

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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes slides against Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o during the AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Jan. 18, 2025. (Denny Medley-Imagn Images)

Amid the controversy over the slide, head referee Clay Martin defended the call. He said there was forcible contact to Mahomes’ “hairline” on the other unnecessary roughness call.

NFL fans were upset with Schefter for using Mahomes as a reference point. Still, Schefter used statistics to back up his point. He compared penalties between the Chiefs and their playoff opponents over the course of their eight-game winning streak.

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Adam Schefter of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” on the sideline prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Nov. 21, 2022. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)

According to researcher Paul Hembo, Kansas City’s opponents have been flagged for roughing the passer six times compared to zero times for the Chiefs. When it came to unnecessary roughness, Kansas City’s opponents have seen four penalty flags and only one against the Chiefs.

Still, fans were outraged.

Actor Eric Stonestreet, a huge Chiefs fan, called out Schefter on NFL Network.

“He calls out Patrick Mahomes in his tweet like Patrick Mahomes is the only one on the beneficiary end of a roughing the passer call,” he said. “He’s got the biggest reach in all the NFL and here he’s out implying and furthering this conspiracy theory that the league is rigging the game.”

Mahomes was asked about the alleged favoritism during the week.

“I don’t feel that way,” he said. “… I just try to play football at the end of the day. The referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and proper as best they can.

“For me, it’s go out there, play hard, try to do whatever I can to win the football game, and then live with the results based on my effort and how I play the game, and that’s what we preach here in Kansas City.”

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The Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 26, 2025