Football fans are convinced that the NFL refs “rigged” the Cincinnati Bengals-Denver Broncos game on Saturday following several questionable calls that benefited the home team.
The NFL refs called a whopping 10 penalties in the Bengals’ 30-24 overtime win over the Broncos on Saturday evening. The Broncos were penalized seven times for 35 yards, while Cincy was called for three penalties worth 15 yards.
There were several head-scratching calls (and non-calls) against both teams today. But some fans think the refs “rigged” it for the Bengals. This included a no-call against Josh Newton despite some obvious contact while defending against Courtland Sutton.
A lot of contact to Broncos receiver Sutton. No flag for P.I. pic.twitter.com/o3oiZiMqQ6
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 28, 2024
Not to mention a clear-as-day false start that went uncalled:
Refs miss a false start from the Bengals O-Line. Fortunately the Bengals did not convert on this play so the missed penalty doesn't mean much. pic.twitter.com/bp4vXl0o8Q
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 28, 2024
Or Ja’Marr Chase pushing off Patrick Surtain II and getting away with it that the NFL refs also somehow missed:
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Looks like JaMarr pushes off here to get this catch. Refs letting them play. pic.twitter.com/hwljlQWWzi
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 28, 2024
And fans accused the NFL refs of “rigging” the game in favor of the home team:
“Don’t expect Denver to get one call… Roger “Vince McMahon” goodell can’t have the playoff teams set for before week 18,” one fan wrote.
“Refs helping the Bengals win to keep them in playoff contention,” said another.
“Wow bailout call on third and long for the Bengals. Can’t believe the NFL is rigged,” a user wrote.
“NFL is rigged. You can’t tell me anything otherwise. Refs handing this one to the Bengals on a SILVER PLATTER. BENGALS BY 10,” said a fan.
NFL is rigged. You can’t tell me anything otherwise. Refs handing this one to the Bengals on a SILVER PLATTER. BENGALS BY 10.
— Alex Garr (@AlexGarr840720) December 28, 2024
“Yes they can still get in. It’s whatever the National Fixed League wants to script it,” a fan said about the Bengals.
“refs had the bengals,” one fan wrote.
“What a shame! The refs had to CHEAT for the Bengals to win,” a user said.
“Illegal contact penalty that negates the sack with no replay to show it. Meanwhile no flag on bengals OLine guy that pushed the face of Broncos guy after the play that is 100% a penalty. Got it. Just pack up the game it’s fixed,” said a fan.
Illegal contact penalty that negates the sack with no replay to show it. Meanwhile no flag on bengals OLine guy that pushed the face of Broncos guy after the play that is 100% a penalty. Got it. Just pack up the game it’s fixed.
— Adam Latham (@ALatham18) December 28, 2024
Regardless Of NFL Refs’ Mistakes, Broncos Can Only Blame Themselves
At the end of the day, Sean Payton and the Broncos have no one to blame but themselves. The defense was a no-show for most of this win-and-you’re-in contest, and the offense waited until the second half to get going.
Denver only needed a tie to make the postseason. Their atrocious play-calling and clock management in OT is what led to the Bengals’ victory.
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