Dr. Spencer Barnes, Professor of Finance at UTEP, co-authored a study examining how postseason officiating differs for the Mahomes-era Kansas City Chiefs. The research finds that in the playoffs, the Chiefs are more likely to receive first-down–extending and subjective penalties compared to other teams, a pattern not seen in the regular season or with other dynasties like the Brady Patriots. The authors do not argue games are rigged, but suggest the pattern reflects subconscious, financially driven regulatory capture, benefiting the league’s most valuable, ratings-driving brand.