It seems you’re expressing frustration about perceived favoritism or questionable officiating in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 season. Comments like “It’s better to be lucky than good” often come from fans who feel that luck—or perhaps referees’ calls—has played a significant role in the Chiefs’ success, rather than solely their skill or execution.

While emotions run high during intense NFL seasons, it’s worth examining both sides of the coin. Are the Chiefs truly beneficiaries of fortuitous calls, or are they just an exceptionally talented and disciplined team that knows how to capitalize on opportunities? Let’s break it down.

Why Fans Are Frustrated with Officiating

The NFL’s officiating has been a hot topic for years, but when it comes to teams like the Chiefs, who are already dominant, any close or controversial call in their favor can ignite criticism. Key factors fueling the “lucky” narrative for the Chiefs include:

High-Profile Games:

As one of the league’s most successful teams, the Chiefs frequently play in marquee matchups, where every call is scrutinized under a national spotlight.
Close Wins:
The Chiefs have often managed to eke out victories in tight games, which can make fans of opposing teams feel like refereeing decisions tilted the outcome.
Star Power:
Patrick Mahomes is one of the NFL’s biggest stars, and fans sometimes argue that high-profile players receive the benefit of the doubt on close calls.
Critical Moments:
It’s not unusual for late-game penalties—or the lack thereof—to draw scrutiny. For example, holding calls, pass interference, or roughing the passer penalties in favor of Kansas City have led to debates about consistency in officiating.

The Chiefs’ Perspective: Creating Their Own Luck

From Kansas City’s standpoint, this criticism often misses the bigger picture: they are a well-coached, disciplined, and talented team that consistently puts itself in a position to win.

Disciplined Football:

Teams that commit fewer penalties are less likely to find themselves in situations where refereeing decisions can make or break a game. Kansas City is known for minimizing mistakes.
Capitalizing on Mistakes:
The Chiefs excel at taking advantage of opponents’ miscues, whether it’s a turnover, a blown coverage, or an ill-timed penalty. Critics often overlook these factors when attributing wins to “luck.”
Elite Coaching and Execution:
Andy Reid’s offensive schemes and Mahomes’ ability to make plays under pressure are key reasons why Kansas City wins close games. Preparation and execution often get mistaken for luck.

Are the Chiefs “Lucky” or Just That Good?

The “better to be lucky than good” sentiment is not new in sports. However, when a team consistently wins over multiple seasons, it’s hard to dismiss their success as merely luck. Consider these points:

Sustained Excellence:
The Chiefs are perennial contenders, having made the playoffs every year since Mahomes became their starter in 2018. Luck may play a role in one game, but not in maintaining such dominance over time.

Winning in Different Ways:
Whether it’s a blowout victory or a last-minute comeback, the Chiefs have shown they can win under various circumstances, indicating skill and adaptability rather than chance.
The Role of Perception:
Fans of opposing teams often magnify officiating controversies when their team loses, but similar calls for their own team might be overlooked. This selective perception fuels narratives of bias.

Improving NFL Officiating

The root of this frustration may lie in inconsistent officiating, a problem that the NFL has struggled to address. Suggestions for improvement include:

Full-Time Referees:
Employing full-time officials who dedicate their careers to mastering the craft could improve consistency.

Better Use of Technology:
Enhanced replay systems or even AI-driven decision-making could minimize human error in critical moments.
Transparency:
Clearer explanations of controversial calls and a review process for officials could help fans understand the decisions being made.

Final Thoughts

While it’s easy to attribute the Chiefs’ success to luck or officiating, the reality is that they are one of the most talented and well-coached teams in the NFL. Controversial calls will always spark debate, especially when a dominant team like Kansas City is involved, but luck can only carry a team so far.

Ultimately, the Chiefs’ ability to consistently win is a testament to their preparation, execution, and leadership. Whether fans choose to see that as luck or skill may depend more on which side of the scoreboard they’re on.