It was literally the most-watched NFL game ever, with over 32 million views. Yeah, we are talking about the recent divisional-round showdown between the Chiefs and the Texans. The Chiefs bested the Texans with a 23-14 score line. The Kingdom was roaring at the Arrowhead despite Houston putting up a great fight on enemy turf. And Did you see how Patrick Mahomes, for a second, turned into Superman and made a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce while falling? Yeah, it was almost as if you were watching a broadway play. 

Travis Kelce had something to say after that incredible performance. Speaking on New Heights podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, Travis shared, “They left me “b–t n—d open” Jason chimed in, cracking jokes about Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, saying, “CJ couldn’t even scratch his a– for a good second before he was in the sack.” The Kelce brothers’ banter made the performance even more memorable for fans tuning in to the podcast. 

However, it was his lingering stare at Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair that nearly drew a 15-yard taunting penalty. Although the officials missed Kelce’s gesture in the heat of the moment, fans on social media were quick to notice. “Taunting for others but not for KC,” one fan shared on X, while another wrote, “0% flag chance against a Chief.” The reactions only added fuel to the ongoing narrative that Kansas City often gets the benefit of the doubt from officials.

Jason’s joke on C.J. Stroud was a little harsh because the man tried his best to help his team. No doubt, he faced relentless pressure from the Chiefs. He got sacked 8 times and was hit 14 times in total. But Stroud still completed 19 of 28 passes for 245 yards. His passer rating was 95.1, and that’s not bad. After the game, Stroud expressed his thoughts, “I’m not going to hold my head down. But at the same time, you know, it sucks to come out here and lose in a divisional round again.”

Did Travis Kelce dodge a bullet?

The Chiefs’ victory over the Texans in the divisional round sparked heated debates, not just for Travis Kelce’s taunting stare but also for a controversial missed call. A blatant hip-drop tackle in the first half, widely flagged this season for its injury risk, was ignored by officials, leaving Texans fans outraged. The play occurred during a crucial drive, and while Houston managed to tie the game with a field goal, many believe a 15-yard penalty could’ve shifted the momentum toward a touchdown.

While social media erupted with accusations of bias favoring the reigning champs, others defended the no-call, arguing that the tackle didn’t meet the technical criteria of a hip drop. One fan noted, “The defender actually hit the ground before the ball carrier. This wasn’t the slam we’ve seen penalized all year.” Still, the controversy highlights the fine line officials walk during high-stakes playoff games, and for Kelce and the Chiefs, it’s one more close call in their historic pursuit of a 3-peat.