Robert Griffin III accused Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs of sabotaging their biggest rivals’ Joe Burrow’s Bengals’ playoff chances.

Robert Griffin III accuses Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs of intentionally tanking against Broncos to avoid Joe Burrow in playoffs

Did Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs intentionally tank to blow Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff chances? Well, Robert Griffin III is quite confident that this is exactly what happened during the Chiefs’ bizarre 38-0 loss at the hands of the Denver Broncos.

It appears the Bengals’ playoff hopes were still dependent on a game, despite securing an impressive victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. Unfortunately for them, that game was between the Chiefs and the Broncos, which unusually ended in the AFC No. 1 seeded’s loss at 38-0.

The outcome stemmed from the Chiefs’ decision to rest all their starter, having already secured the No. 1 seed in the conference with a 15-3 record and a playoff berth. Head coach Andy Reid believes in giving his starters a break to minimize the risk of injuries. However, Griffin III seems to think there may be another reason behind the decision to bench the starters.

Chiefs did everything they could to make sure the Bengals didn’t make the Playoffs. MY GAWD.

Robert Griffin wrote on X

The Broncos’ victory in Week 18 has unfortunately resulted in the official elimination of the Bengals from the playoffs. One of the only three losses endured by the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback in the playoffs with a 15-3 record, has been at the hands of Burrow. While the other two were against the legendary Tom Brady.

Joe Burrow reflects on MVP chances as Bengals fail to secure playoff spot

Whether or not the Chiefs intentionally sabotaged their biggest rival’s playoff chances, the 2024 season has officially concluded for the Bengals at a 9-8 record. And with that, quarterback Burrow’s chances of winning the NFL MVP also rest despite being the NFL leader in yards and touchdowns.

I’m proud of the season that I have had. I think I’m deserving of it, but the MVP usually goes to the quarterback of the best team and that’s not us this year.

Joe Burrow said after the elimination

Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow

However, the Pro Bowl signal-caller hasn’t lost hope as he shared his desire to win the award at some point in his career. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been called out by many for not making any effort to secure a win in their final game, on which the Bengals were heavily dependent.

Many analysts criticized the Chiefs for appearing fearful of the Bengals, who could pose the biggest threat in their pursuit of a historic three-peat. This is believed to be the reason behind the decision to ensure that the Bengals do not even make it to the postseason.