The Buffalo Bills won a controversial challenge after the officials determined the Kansas City Chiefs had fumbled near the goal line early in the fourth quarter of their AFC Divisional Round playoff game on Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.
The Chiefs had the ball at the Buffalo 32 following a failed fake punt attempt by the Bills. Isiah Pacheco rushed for 29 yards to bring the ball to the Buffalo 3 with the Chiefs leading 27-24.
On 1st-and-goal from the 3, the Chiefs tossed the ball to Mecole Hardman, who ran the ball near the goal line. Initially, Hardman was ruled down inside the one, but the Bills challenged the ruling. Buffalo thought Hardman had fumbled the ball before going to the ground.
MECOLE HARDMAN JUST FUMBLED OUT OF THE ENDZONE.
Bills are likely to take possession . pic.twitter.com/tc4no7yr1F
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 22, 2024
The officials reviewed the play and agreed with the Bills. Their call was reversed, giving the ball to the Bills at the 20 following the touchback.
TOUCHBACK???
WHAT DO YOU SEE? pic.twitter.com/iDrRMgG0md
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 22, 2024
Despite being bailed out by the call following their failed fake punt, the Bills were unable to take advantage. They went 3-and-out, then forced a punt, and then they missed a potential game-tying field goal. On top of that, they allowed Kansas City to rush for a first down to ice the 27-24 win.
The call by the officials didn’t affect the final outcome, but it has put the touchback rule on fumbles near the goal line back in the spotlight.
