NFL Officiating: Referee Storylines Unfold Ahead of Championship Games

As the excitement builds for the NFC and AFC championship games this Sunday, the focus isn’t solely on the teams battling it out on the field but also on the officials set to wield their whistles. History, both recent and past, has shown that officiating crews can become part of the narrative, creating headlines and drama of their own.

Clete Blakeman’s Controversial History with Lions

Referee Clete Blakeman’s crew is assigned to officiate the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, stirring emotions among Lions fans. The infamous 2019 game against the Green Bay Packers, marred by controversial calls, is etched in Lions’ memories. Trey Flowers’ flagged illegal hands to the face, later acknowledged as an error by the NFL office, became a focal point in the game, ultimately leading to a Packers victory.

While umpire Jeff Rice, responsible for the controversial calls, is no longer part of Blakeman’s crew, the Lions faithful remains vigilant. Blakeman, with 16 seasons as an NFL official, including 14 as a referee, will officiate his 14th playoff game on Sunday, bringing experience but also scrutiny to the pivotal matchup.

Shawn Smith’s Crew and Home-Field Challenges for Ravens

In the AFC championship game hosted by the Baltimore Ravens, referee Shawn Smith’s crew takes the stage. The numbers, dissected by Sharp Football Analysis, reveal a trend that might raise concerns for the home team. Over the past three years, home teams have a 55.9% win rate, but under Smith’s refereeing, this rate drops significantly to 40.8%. The disparity extends to spread numbers, penalties, and more.

Smith holds the top position in road team win percentage among 24 referees since 2018, a fact that might intrigue conspiracy theorists. The Ravens, standing between the NFL and the possibility of Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift in Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, face a challenge in ensuring their home-field advantage prevails.

While statistics highlight Smith’s crew’s historical impact, it’s crucial to avoid jumping to conclusions about referee intentions. The nuances of a 17-game regular season and the randomness of games and officiating could influence the data, as indicated by a simulation from Timo Riske of Pro Football Focus.

The Ravens, with their own history with Smith in a Week 11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chiefs, experiencing an unpleasant encounter in the same season, will be mindful of the officiating dynamics as they approach the crucial championship clash.