The Kansas City Chiefs’ surprising 38-0 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 18 has triggered a wave of backlash from Bengals fans, who believe the defeat was anything but accidental. This result not only caught many by surprise but also had significant playoff implications—eliminating the Cincinnati Bengals from postseason contention. Furious over what they claim to be deliberate foul play, Bengals fans have taken to social media in droves, targeting the Chiefs’ official pages and Patrick Mahomes’ fan accounts with accusations and angry comments.
The controversy stems from the Chiefs’ decision to rest key players, including Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and other starters, during a game that held little significance for Kansas City but was crucial for Cincinnati. Bengals fans argue that the Chiefs deliberately threw the game to manipulate the playoff seeding and avoid facing the Bengals, a team that has been one of their fiercest competitors in recent years.
“This wasn’t about keeping players healthy—it was about keeping us out of the playoffs,” a frustrated Bengals supporter wrote. “They saw us as their biggest threat and took the easy way out.”
As the accusations continue to pour in, hashtags like #ChiefsConspiracy and #AvoidTheBengals have been trending, with Bengals fans demanding answers and even calling for an NFL investigation into the Chiefs’ conduct. Some fans have gone as far as suggesting that this was a calculated move to ensure an easier playoff path for Kansas City.
Despite the outrage, Chiefs fans have rallied to defend their team, pointing out that resting starters before the playoffs is a common practice in the NFL. “The Chiefs earned the right to rest their players by locking up the top seed early. It’s not our fault the Bengals couldn’t handle their own business,” one Chiefs supporter commented.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs organization has chosen not to engage with the online controversy. Patrick Mahomes, who has always maintained a professional demeanor in the face of criticism, has stayed silent on the matter. Sources close to the team suggest that the focus remains entirely on preparing for the playoffs and their quest for a historic Super Bowl 3-peat.
NFL analysts have also weighed in on the situation. While some agree that the timing of the Chiefs’ decision was questionable, others dismiss the claims as baseless frustration from Bengals fans. “This is just playoff drama. Every year, teams rest starters once they’ve secured their position. The Chiefs did nothing unusual,” one analyst stated during a broadcast.
This incident has only intensified the growing rivalry between the Chiefs and Bengals. Over the past few seasons, their matchups have become some of the most highly anticipated games in the league, with both teams showcasing elite talent and fierce competition. If and when the two teams meet again in the future, this controversy is certain to add fuel to an already fiery rivalry.
As the NFL playoffs draw closer, all eyes will be on the Chiefs. Whether they can rise above the noise and focus on their ultimate goal—a third consecutive Super Bowl victory—remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Bengals will look to regroup and come back stronger next season, perhaps with this controversy serving as added motivation.
One thing is for sure: this story is far from over, and the tension between these two teams is only just beginning.