On January 25, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves absent from the playoff picture, yet they continue to be a focal point in the NFL discussions. This was notably highlighted during the AFC Divisional round clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos over the weekend.
Former Pro Bowl quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Tony Romo sparked some social media backlash after accidentally referring to Josh Allen as “Patrick Mahomes” during a highlight of Allen’s impressive run in the Bills’ loss to the Broncos. This slip-up ignited debates among fans, with many questioning whether Romo harbors a bias towards the Chiefs’ star quarterback.
Throughout the 2025 season, the Chiefs were a prominent feature in CBS’s game lineup, frequently showcased in high-stakes matches until their playoff elimination. The broadcast team, consisting of Romo, Jim Nantz, and Tracy Wolfson, developed a strong rapport with Kansas City’s games, leading to increased attention on the team even in their absence from the playoffs.
Looking ahead, Romo is set to return to the commentary booth for the AFC Championship game, which will see the Broncos take on the New England Patriots. This matchup marks a historic moment since it is the first time in Patrick Mahomes’ tenure as the full-time starter that the Chiefs will not be contenders in this significant game.
While the Chiefs’ absence from playoff contention might be disappointing for fans, their lingering presence in discussions, such as Romo’s gaffe, underscores the team’s impact and popularity in the league. The excitement surrounding the upcoming championship game continues to build, capturing the attention of NFL enthusiasts.