Chiefs-Raiders ending results in controversy and the NFL speaks up

The Chiefs held on for a close win, but the game has generated plenty of talking points

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) holds the recovered ball after a fumbleLAPRESSE

The NFL has hit back at claims the Kansas City Chiefs received a favorable call after holding on for a nerve-wracking win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

The Chiefs, now 11-1, looked set to fall to their second defeat of the season as the Raiders drove down the field and in position for a game winning field goal in the closing stages of the game.

Instead disaster struck for Las Vegas when quarterback Aidan O’Connell couldn’t get his hands on an errant snap, which ricocheted off his chest.

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton was quickest to the ball and recovered it, though a flag was thrown on the play. Many believed a false start was set to be called, which would have blown the play dead and allowed the Raiders to keep possession of the ball

However, after the officials came together to discuss the play, an illegal shift was called. That penalty doesn’t result in the play being blown dead, meaning the Chiefs got the ball before kneeling out the clock to claim a 19-17 win.

The decision has generated plenty of discussion on social media, with some fans believing the referees made a mistake and favored the Chiefs.

NFL clears up penalty call

After the game Raiders reporter Vic Tafur asked the NFL to clear up the call, and according to the league’s ruling, an illegal shift was the correct call because the clock was stopped before the play.

I asked NFL for a statement on last play that resulted in #Raiders fumble:

“Had the clock been running at the snap, then by rule an illegal shift would convert to a false start. Since the clock was stopped (spike on the 2nd down play), an illegal shift is a live ball foul.”

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) November 30, 2024

“Had the clock been running at the snap, then by rule an illegal shift would convert to a false start. Since the clock was stopped (spike on the 2nd down play), an illegal shift is a live ball foul,” the league said.

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Regardless of how some fans may feel, the decision stands and the Chiefs walked away from the game with their 11th win of the season.

They also set an NFL record for their 14th consecutive one-score win, and clinched a playoff spot for the 10th consecutive season.