nfl referee assignments championship

Who is the ref? A breakdown of the officiating crew for NFC title game

Allen Park — If there's one thing that unifies football fans, it's frustrations with officiating. And while NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was recently in Detroit defending the job the NFL's crews do on a weekly basis, you're going to have a difficult time swaying public opinion.

Regardless, it remains part of the human element of the game, at least until we make a few more developmental leaps in robotics. With that in mind, here's the crew for this weekend's NFC Championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. The assignments come courtesy of Football Zebras.

Note: The names in parentheses are the regular-season referee's crew to which that official was assigned.

▶ Referee: Clete Blakeman

Blakeman is an experienced official who has been with the NFL for 16 seasons, including the past 14 as a head referee. According to Football Zebras, he's previously worked 14 playoff games, including Super Bowl 50.

He's officiated 20 Lions games during his career, including the team's 26-14 victory over Las Vegas this season. But he's more than likely remembered for heading the crew that flagged Trey Flowers twice for hands to the face in a primetime loss to Green Bay.

On game days, the referee is responsible for monitoring the right side of the offensive line and the defenders they engage, while shifting their attention to the QB when threatened. They are responsible for roughing-the-passer and intentional-grounding infractions.

▶ Umpire: Barry Anderson (Ron Torbert)

Like the referee, the umpire lines up behind the offensive formation and is responsible for the left side of the offensive line, including false starts and holding infractions.

Anderson has been with the league since 2007 and has served as an umpire the past nine seasons. He last worked a Lions game in Dec. 2022, a 40-14 win over Jacksonville. He called one holding call in that game, against Lions guard Jonah Jackson.

▶ Down Judge: Dana McKenzie (Blakeman)

McKenzie has 16 years of experience as a head linesman, line judge and down judge. He's filled the current since 2018.

As part of Blakeman's crew this season, he also worked the Lions' game against the Raiders. Before that, it was the previous year's Thanksgiving loss to the Bills.

A down judge lines up on the sideline, parallel to the line of scrimmage. They watch for pre-snap penalties at the line and determine whether a player is in or out of bounds at their sideline. They are responsible for establishing forward progress, and also rule on pass interference and defensive holding on plays to their side of the field.

▶ Line Judge: Rusty Baynes (Alex Kemp)

The line judge is on the opposite sideline as the down judge and shares the same responsibilities to their side of the field.

A member of an officiating family, Baynes has close to three decades of experience between college and the NFL. He's been with the league since 2010, working almost exclusively as a line judge.

As part of Kemp's crew, he worked this year's game against Seattle. The Lions were penalized just four times for 24 yards in that overtime loss.

▶ Field Judge: Anthony Flemming (John Hussey)

Fleming is a relative newcomer, having been in the NFL just four seasons. This will be his third playoff game, after working the Bills/Chiefs matchup last weekend.

Despite his short time in the league, he's seen plenty of work officiating the Lions, working five games, including a pair this season. He was part of the crew for both the season-opening win over Kansas City and the home blowout of Denver.

The field judge is positioned on the sideline, 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball. They monitor the wide receiver to their side for blocking fouls or infractions against the defensive back in coverage.

▶ Side Judge: Chad Hill (Shawn Hochuli)

The side judge's responsibilities largely overlap with the field judge, only aligned on the opposite sideline. Hill has worked for the NFL since 2018, and exclusively as a side judge since 2019.

He worked at least one Lions game each of the previous six seasons and will keep his personal streak going with Sunday's playoff matchup against San Francisco.

His second NFL game was as the field judge for the Lions' 30-27 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco in 2018. There was a critical penalty called late in that game against Quandre Diggs that negated a Tracy Walker interception, but the flag wasn't thrown by Hill.

▶ Back Judge: Grantis Bell (Craig Wrolstad)

Bell is in his fourth season as an NFL back judge. The deepest-positioned official in the defensive secondary, he stands in the middle of the field, 30 yards from the line of scrimmage, to start a play.

A back judge is responsible for counting the defensive players on the field prior to the snap, as well as monitoring the game clock and play clock. Once the play begins, they watch for second-level holds on run plays and potential holding and interference infractions by or against the receivers on pass plays.

Bell didn't work a Lions game this season. He was part of the crew that officiated road matchups against the Jets and Patriots in 2022.

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NFC Championship

Lions at 49ers.

▶ Kickoff: 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

▶ TV/radio: FOX/97.1

▶ Records: Detroit (12-5), San Francisco (12-5)

▶ Line: 49ers by 7

AFC Championship

Chiefs at ravens.

▶ Kickoff: 3 p.m., Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

▶ TV/radio: CBS

▶ Records: Kansas City (11-6), Baltimore (13-4)

▶ Line: Ravens by 3 1/2

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NFL reveals referees for 2022 AFC and NFC Championship games, and the decision comes with a twist

The ref who called the most penalties in the nfl this year will be officiating one of the conference title games.

The NFL has officially announced the two officiating crews that will be working the AFC and NFC title games. 

In an interesting twist, the referee in the NFC title game oversaw an officiating crew that threw the most flags of any crew in the NFL this season, while the referee in the AFC title game oversaw an officiating crew that threw the fewest amount of penalty flags during the regular season. 

Here's a look at the two refs. 

NFC Championship ref: Carl Cheffers

Cheffers is one of the most experienced officials in the NFL. The 61-year-old has been in the league since he was hired as a side judge in 2000. After eight years as a side judge, he was promoted to referee in 2008. Cheffers has officiated a total of 15 postseason games in his career, including Super Bowl LI and LV. 

One notable thing about Cheffers is that his crew threw the most penalty flags in the NFL this year with a total of 229,  according to NFLpenalties.com . Its average of 14.31 penalties per game made it the only crew that averaged more than 14. Of course, Cheffers won't be working with his normal crew, so it's possible that number will be cut down. 

Here's a look at how the Rams and 49ers have fared over the past five years when Cheffers has served as the ref in one of their games (stats  via Pro Football Reference ).

• Rams:  2-1 (1-0 in 2021)
• 49ers:  4-3 (2-1 in 2021)

Cheffers actually officiated a Rams-49ers game back in October 2020, which San Francisco ended up winning, 24-16. 

According to an NFL press release , the rest of Cheffers' crew for the game will be umpire Paul King, down judge Jerod Phillips, field judge Tom Hill, line judge Mark Perlman, side judge Eugene Hall and back judge Greg Steed.

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Prepare for the upcoming nfl draft with the day’s big stories + mock drafts, big board updates and more., thanks for signing up, keep an eye on your inbox., there was an error processing your subscription., afc championship ref: bill vinovich.

Vinovich is considered one of the best officials in the NFL, which is why he almost always gets the call to work as the referee in big games. The Bengals-Chiefs game will mark the 16th postseason assignment of Vinovich's career, which already includes two games as a Super Bowl ref and SIX prior games as a conference title ref. 

Unlike Cheffers, Vinovich's crew almost never threw any flags this year. His crew was responsible for just called penalties, which is just 9.25 per game. That's a full five penalties less than Cheffers' crew and the lowest number in the NFL. 

Here's a look at how the Bengals and Chiefs have fared over the past five years when Vinovich has served as the ref in one of their games (stats  via Pro Football Reference ).

• Bengals:  1-5 (1-2 in 2021)
• Chiefs:  6-3 (2-0 in 2021)

Vinovich actually officiated a Bengals-Chiefs game back in October 2018, which Kansas City won, 45-10. Vinovich has also officiated several high-profile Chiefs' games over the past few years, including their AFC title win over the Bills last season and their Super Bowl LIV win over the 49ers. 

According to an NFL press release , the rest of Vinovich's crew for the game will be: umpire Fred Bryan, down judge Ed Camp, field judge Mearl Robinson, line judge Jeff Seeman, side judge Jonah Monroe and back judge Greg Meyer.

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Nfl playoffs referees: who are the officials for divisional weekend 2024, share this article.

Happy NFL divisional round weekend to all who celebrate! It’s time for the playoffs to continue after the wild card weekend, and that means you want to know everything there is to know about the games you’re watching.

If you came here, you’re probably looking to see who the officials are for every playoff game this weekend in 2024. Fear not! We have answers.

With  four games on the schedule from Saturday to Sunday, there will be that many officiating crews, and we’ll give you the name of the referee for each of them who will announce penalties and such during the contests.

Here’s the full list:

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens: John Hussey

(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers: Alex Kemp

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) talks to side judge Alex Kemp (55) in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

(AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions: Bill Vinovich

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills: Shawn Hochuli

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NFL announces referee crew assignments for Super Wild Card Weekend

T he NFL announced the six referee crews that will officiate the round-one playoff games for Super Wild Card Weekend. The games begin on Saturday with two matchups, including one streaming on Peacock, then three games are played on Sunday and one on Monday night.

No. 1 seeds in their conferences, the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers have a first-round bye and therefore, will not play this weekend.

Below are the NFL playoff matchups for the Super Wild Card Weekend in the NFC and AFC, along with their head judge assignments.

NFL First Round Playoff Matchups

No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Dallas Cowboys

Time: Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET

Channel: FOX

Head judge – Ron Torbert

No. 6 Los Angeles Rams at No. 3 Detroit Lions

Time: Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Channel: NBC

Head judge – Craig Wrolstad

No. 5 Philadelphia Eagles at No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Time: Monday, 8:00 p.m ET

Channel: ESPN

Head judge – Adrian Hill

No. 7 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 2 Buffalo Bills

Time: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET

Channel: CBS

Head judge – Carl Cheffers

No. 6 Miami Dolphins at No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs

Time: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET

Channel: Peacock (Streaming)

Head judge – Brad Rogers

No. 5 Cleveland Browns at No. 4 Houston Texans

Time: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

Head judge – Clay Martin

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NFL Referee Playoff Assignments: Wild Card Betting Trends

Picture by Getty Images.

Okay, referees aren't going to alter this game for nefarious reasons. But there are particular tendencies and trends that bettors can glean based on data.

Thanks to our esteemed data guru Evan Abrams, we have distinct against the spread (ATS) and straight up trends for each referee crew in each Wild Card game this weekend.

Browns vs. Texans

Browns vs. Texans referee: Clay Martin

Referee Clay Martin has a 56-36 ATS record to favorites. $100 per game bettors blindly wagering on the favorite's spread in games with Martin as the ref have won about $1,600 over the last 20 seasons.

Meanwhile, Martin is also 53-38 ATS for the road team. Blind $100 per game bettors would be up $1,150 betting road spreads.

Both of these data points favor the Browns at -2.

Dolphins vs. Chiefs

Dolphins vs. Chiefs referee: Brad Rogers

In games with referee Brad Rogers, the Chiefs are 3-0 straight up. All three games have taken place since 2020.

Steelers vs. Bills

Steelers vs. Bills referee: Carl Cheffers

With referee Carl Cheffers at the helm, Josh Allen is 7-3 straight up. But underdogs are also 138-111-5 ATS (55.4%) in games where Cheffers is the referee. Underdogs are .500 ATS or better in six straight seasons with Cheffers at referee.

But the most pertinent data point with Cheffers in regards to this game is on the total. Cheffers is 81-67 (55%) to the under since 2015. In the playoffs, it's even better: Cheffers is 11-2 (85%) to the under during the postseason.

The total for this game has moved from its open at 43 to its current mark at 34 because of the wind and snow. The wind is expected to gust at around 25 to 35 mph with snow in the forecast. It's the single-biggest move to a playoff total in the last 20 years.

Packers vs. Cowboys

Packers vs. Cowboys referee: Ronald Tolbert

The Packers are 7-1 ATS over their last eight games with Ronald Torbert as the referee. Their only loss was their 2022 playoff game against the 49ers, when the Packers fell by three as big home favorites in the snow.

In the last four seasons, Torbert is 42-23-1 (65%) to the under. He's the most profitable referee among the 20 most prominent ones over that timespan. The aforementioned Cheffers is third. Bill Vinovich is second.

Rams vs. Lions

Rams vs. Lions referee: Craig Wrolstad

The Rams have lost both their games with Craig Wrolstad as the referee.

In the four playoff games that Wrolstad has reffed, favorites are 4-0 ATS. These two factors point toward the Lions at -3.

Eagles vs. Buccaneers

Eagles vs. Buccaneers referee: Adrian Hill

The Eagles are 2-0 straight up with Adrian Hill as the referee since 2021, while the 'Bucs are 0-2 straight up since 2020.

Hill has only officiated one playoff game – last year's Giants vs. Vikings game, in which the road underdog won straight up, 31-24.

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NFL Reveals Referees For Both Championship Playoff Games

• Jake Rogers
• January 22, 2024

We’re just six days away from NFL Championship Sunday, a crucial day when the two teams that will compete in this season’s Super Bowl will be decided.

In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in their sixth consecutive AFC Championship, a remarkable feat. They will be going head-to-head with the Baltimore Ravens, who are making their first appearance in this prestigious game in over a decade.

Over in the NFC, the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers are once again in the conference title game, marking their fourth appearance in the last five seasons. On the other side, the Detroit Lions are making a long-awaited return to this stage after an impressive 32-year hiatus.

The referee assignments for these highly anticipated championship games have been revealed . In the AFC Championship, Shawn Smith and his experienced crew will be in charge, while the NFC matchup will be overseen by Clete Blakeman and his team.

Here are the @NFL Championship Weekend referee assignments. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Ooy6FQJawV — NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) January 22, 2024

Shawn Smith has been a respected NFL official since 2015 and took on the role of referee in 2018. Although he has officiated in the playoffs every year since 2019, this will be his first time officiating a championship game. However, it’s worth noting that Smith previously served as the umpire in the 2017 NFC Championship Game between the Vikings and Eagles.

Clete Blakeman has an impressive tenure as an NFL official, starting in 2008 and becoming a referee in 2010. He brings a wealth of experience to the NFC Championship Game, having previously served as the referee for three conference championship games and even officiated Super Bowl 50.

Football fans can mark their calendars, as the AFC Championship Game is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, airing on CBS. Following that, the NFC Championship Game will take place at 6:30 p.m. ET, and football enthusiasts can catch it on FOX. It’s shaping up to be an exciting Championship Sunday as we edge closer to crowning the Super Bowl contenders.

Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information?  Click here . Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner  NBA Analysis Network .

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Kansas City Chiefs, 49ers Draw Favorable Referees For Championship Weekend; ‘Rigged’ NFL Fans Say

NFL fans were quick to predict the league was rigging a Kansas City Chiefs win over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game following the announcement on who would be the referee for the game. The San Francisco 49ers also drew a favorable referee for their matchup against the Detroit Lions.

NFL fans questioned the Divisional Round officiating

The comments come a day after Buffalo Bills claimed the league rigged the Chiefs’ win in the Divisional Round. Green Bay Packers fans cried foul on a few calls that went the 49ers’ way.

According to a statement by NFL Football Operations, Shawn Smith will be the referee for the Chiefs/ Ravens game. Clete Blakeman will officiate the Lions/49ers game.

Here are the @NFL Championship Weekend referee assignments. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Ooy6FQJawV — NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) January 22, 2024

The Chiefs have a 7-2 record under games refereed by Smith. The Ravens are 6-5  in games called by Smith. The Lions have a 1-5 record in games called by Blakeman since 2019. The 49ers are 4-0 with Blakeman during that span.

Fans call the Kansas City Chiefs and 49ers’ games “rigged”

Interestingly enough, the last game called for the Chiefs by Smith resulted in Kansas City losing to the Philadelphia Eagles this season. Blakeman refereed a Lions’ win against the Las Vegas Raiders this season.

However, many fans called the games rigged due to the referee assignments. Here are the best takes of fans claiming the 49ers and Chiefs are on their way to the Super Bowl.

Clete Blakeman reffing a Lions game to go to the Super Bowl… https://t.co/RoeceXKPX8 pic.twitter.com/IsUDDR14u1 — Pal Saolantonio (@KyleYourFriend) January 22, 2024

Clete Blakeman (packers fan) involved in a Lions playoff game is so nasty 😒 https://t.co/vzq6bTaP7H — Lord Riley (@LJ3Carolina) January 22, 2024

Patrick Mahomes gonna get saved by the refs again, who would have guessed — Joshua (@MuscleBearTTV) January 22, 2024

Referee assignments pic.twitter.com/wvxQcyZazo — Bengals Doge (@Bengals_Doge) January 22, 2024

The @Lions pull Clete Blakeman for the NFC Championship game. I don’t know whether or not to laugh or cry. Help. https://t.co/O2mezuWHnd — Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) January 22, 2024

so the game already rigged — Chri$ (@ChrisWithTheW) January 22, 2024

We got stuck with Clete Blakeman 😐 pic.twitter.com/07JLz8h4dF — Onepride Nation (@onepridenation) January 22, 2024

Related: Bill fans claim the Chiefs’ win was rigged

For More Football News:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here! 

Jordan Sigler is a sports journalist. He writes about sports for Wisconsin Sports Heroics, ChiCitySports, and Gridiron Heroics. His craft has been nationally syndicated for Yardbarker and MSN

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Referee for Chiefs vs. Dolphins Wild Card Playoff Game Announced

By joe summers | jan 9, 2024.

The Chiefs are getting set for Tyreek Hill's return to Kansas City as the Miami Dolphins come to town for NFL Wild Card weekend.

Referee assignments were just released and Chiefs fans should be overjoyed, as we've avoided the dreaded Carl Cheffers assignment, who will work Bills vs. Steelers instead.

Given the wide shadow poor officiating cast over the entire 2023 season , Chiefs Kingdom just hopes we see a good whistle on Saturday night.

Chiefs vs. Dolphins Officiating Crew for Playoff Game

Just announced: Here are the referee assignments for Wild Card Weekend: pic.twitter.com/bcEilyYWDI — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 8, 2024

Brad Rogers will be the head referee for Chiefs vs. Dolphins, not to be confused with Brad Allen, the official who cost the Chiefs against the Packers and the Lions vs. Cowboys with egregious mistakes.

This is a good draw for Kansas City, as Rogers is one of the more respected referees in the NFL. He's been with the league for seven years, five as a referee, and this is his first playoff assignment as a lead official.

He's served as a field judge in the postseason before and has not called a Chiefs game yet this year.

Rogers was the official for Chiefs vs. Jaguars in November of 2022, though it's been a while since he's been on the field for a Kansas City matchup.

We'll see what happens on Saturday, though fingers crossed we don't have to talk about any bad calls after the game.

Want to score a big payday? FanDuel Sportsbook is giving you a $150 bonus for any $5 bet backing the Chiefs! Deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on the Chiefs and you'll get $150 in bonus bets regardless of your wager's outcome. Sign up for FanDuel now !

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Total Pro Sports

"For Sports Fans, By Sports Fans" The lighter side of sports.

NFL Fans Think Ravens-Chiefs AFC Championship Game Is Already “Rigged” After League Released Sketchy Referee Assignments

The 2023 AFC Championship Game is still six days away, and yet football fans are already screaming that it’s been “rigged” in favor of the Kansas City Chiefs .

On Monday, the NFL Football Operations announced that Shawn Smith has been assigned to the Chiefs-Ravens AFC Championship Game, with Clete Blakeman getting the Detroit Lions-San Francisco 49ers NFC title clash.

Here are the @NFL Championship Weekend referee assignments. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Ooy6FQJawV — NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) January 22, 2024

The NFL uses a points system to evaluate all officiating crews, and the ones with the best scores will be assigned playoff games.

Smith and Blakeman certainly did not get here by accident, yet many fans are already calling the AFC title game “rigged.” The reason? These fans believe that Smith has some favoritism towards the defending Super Bowl champions.

Chiefs ML to avoid the refs rigging it 🙂 HAMMER IT — Ricky Bobby (@ravenfan5255) January 22, 2024

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Patrick Mahomes gonna get saved by the refs again, who would have guessed — Joshua 🇺🇸 (@MuscleBearTTV) January 22, 2024

Shawn Smith crew doing Chiefs Ravens Home teams league worst 4-10 ATS under his watch — Steven Golden (@GBpickem) January 22, 2024

Oh it’s over for the Ravens Shawn Smith loves them Chiefs — King Prez (@itsPrez) January 22, 2024

I wonder if Taylor Swift will pay off Shawn Smith so the Chiefs win. Totally rigged. — Court (@TEvermore93) January 22, 2024

As noted by Clay Wendler, the Chiefs are 5-2 in games that Smith has officiated. But those two losses were rather recently, coming against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3 of the 2022 season and against the Philadelphia Eagles back in Week 11.

The Chiefs are 5-2 with Shawn Smith in the Mahomes era. Ls @ Indianapolis last year and vs Philadelphia this year. Chris Jones, keep your mouth shut. https://t.co/poqrqyCMHO — 📽️ Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) January 22, 2024

Chiefs superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones was penalized for taunting on Matt Ryan after a crucial third down sack with less than five minutes to go. That kept the Colts’ drive alive, and it culminated with Ryan throwing a game-winning score to Jelani Woods with 24 seconds left.

So the Chiefs may have a winning record with Smith as the head referee, but let’s not forget that this same crew didn’t hesitate to throw a questionable flag against Jones that wound up changing the direction of that game against the Colts.

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Alex Hoegler is a news and script writer at TPS. A lifelong sports fan, he attended Langara College in Vancouver, where he graduated with a diploma in journalism. … Read More

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NFL Ref Betting Guide: How Referee Assignments Impact Chiefs-Ravens and Lions-49ers

By brian giuffra | jan 26, 2024.

There are so many betting trends in the NFL you could offset one with another in nanoseconds. Yet when it comes to referee assignments, betting trends often hold up because human subjectivity tends to remain static.

So here we are, breaking down the NFL ref assignments for the AFC and NFC Championship games featuring Chiefs at Ravens and Lions at 49ers, respectively, this Sunday.

Don't take any of this information in a vacuum and assume it will hold when making a bet. But it's critical to understand ref tendencies before betting because, as I said, they tend to be creatures of habit.

Below is a breakdown of each ref and how they may impact their respective game. We also have our weather report, betting previews, and props bets for each game on our NFL homepage, which you can access here.

Ref for Chiefs at Ravens AFC Championship - Shawn Smith

Chiefs fans must have loved seeing Shawn Smith's name as the ref for this game because he's reputation as an away team's best friend.

This season, Smith's team called 924 yards in penalties on home teams against only 709 yards in penalties against road teams.

That's a big reason why home teams have won 40.8% of the games over the last three years Smith has called, which is the lowest rate of home team wins of any ref in the NFL.

In that same period, home teams have won 55.4% of games overall in the NFL. It doesn't take a mathematician to calculate how massive a swing that is.

Equally important to note, home teams went 17-29-3 against the spread in games Smith called.

While all of these trends favor the Chiefs, NFL betting expert Iain MacMillan is backing the Ravens at -3.5 ATS (note: this line has changed to -4 since MacMillan bet it). He's focused more on the Ravens' strong rushing attack and the Chiefs' porous rushing defense as the main reasons he thinks the Ravens will pull this out.

Ref for Lions at 49ers NFC Championship - Clete Blakeman

Lions fans have a long history with Clete Blakeman, and it isn't a good one.

Since 2019, the Lions have gone 1-5 in games called by Blakeman. The most infamous of those losses came in 2019 when two bad calls against the Lions and one missed call for them cost them a win against Green Bay.

Even worse, the 49ers are 4-0 in games called by Blakeman since 2019 and home teams went 10-6 straight up in games called by Blakeman this season. He tends to call an even game (both home and away teams get called for just over 5 penalties per game), but these trends certainly favor the home side.

MacMillan is also backing the home team in this one, taking the 49ers at -7. As was the case with the Ravens, he got this line earlier in the week before it moved up to -7.5. Still, MacMillan believes the 49ers offense (best in the NFL in Net Yards Per Play) will have its way against a Lions defense that has given up 7.7 yards per play against the Rams and 6.8 YPP against the Bucs.

If you're betting on this game and want to guarantee yourself a $150 payday, here's how. Just click this link and sign up for FanDuel. Then deposit $10 in your account and make a $5 bet. As long as you follow those steps, you'll get $150 in bonus bets deposited right into your account. Just make sure to sign up now because this deal is ending soon.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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NBA Referee Makes History With Playoffs Assignment 

Ashley Moyer-Gleich will become only the second woman in NBA history to referee a playoff game. She was one of chosen 36 referees announced last Thursday as its referee selections for the first round of the playoffs that started during the weekend.

“It’s surreal,” Moyer-Gleich said.

NBA Referee Makes History With Playoffs Assignment

Moyer-gleich’s background.

Moyer-Gleich joined Violet Palmer as the only woman picked by the NBA for a playoff assignment. Palmer worked nine playoff games between 2006 and 2012. Moyer-Gleich played Division II basketball at Millersville University in her home state of Pennsylvania. She was promoted to a full-time NBA official role in November 2018. She has officiated more than 200 season games in her six seasons. Notably she is one of three first-time playoff selections by the league this year.

“I worked four games as an alternate last year, so obviously, my goal was I wanted to be an alternate again because that’s just sustaining the growth that I’ve had in my career, And then to see my name on list of working floor officials . I mean, my mom was with me, she came with me on my last two games for a little trip, and to open that email and have her there with me and share that news.  It was really quite amazing.” Moyer-Gleich said.

The league trims the officiating roster down for each round, typically culminating with a 12-person list for the NBA Finals. Those referees receive white warm-up jackets for Finals games, something the league has made a tradition for years.

A Brief History

On October 31, 1997, the then 33-year-old Violet Palmer became the first woman to officiate an NBA game. Despite the watershed moment, there elicited little reaction from the crowd when she was announced before the tip-off of the Dallas Mavericks and Vancouver Grizzlies game.

“This is a dream come true, but it’s come about by a lot of hard work,” says Palmer. “This is a night we’ll all look back on in 25 years and say, ‘That opened the door,'” said the former NBA VP‚ Rod Thorn, who attended the historic game in Vancouver. “It’s only appropriate that we be here. I don’t know who’s more excited, Violet or me.”

Palmer had previously officiated WNBA and NBA Summer League games. Before her first NBA regular-season game, she was ready to take the helm of the challenge.

“I was the No. 3 referee in the world for women’s basketball. I had everything: The Final Four. Big TV games. All the limelight I wanted … But my personality is if you give me a challenge, I’m going to take it.” said Violet at the time.

The Full Officials List

The full list of first-round referees chosen by the NBA : Ray Acosta, Brent Barnaky, Curtis Blair, Tony Brothers, Nick Buchert, James Capers, Sean Corbin, Kevin Cutler, Marc Davis, JB DeRosa, Mitchell Ervin, Tyler Ford, Brian Forte, Scott Foster, Pat Fraher, Jacyn Goble, John Goble, David Guthrie, Bill Kennedy, Courtney Kirkland, Karl Lane, Mark Lindsay, Ed Malloy, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Gediminas Petraitis, Kevin Scott, Aaron Smith, Ben Taylor, Dedric Taylor, Josh Tiven, Justin Van Duyne, James Williams, Sean Wright, Zach Zarba, Kogut, Orr and Moyer-Gleich.

“Congratulations to these 36 officials on the well-earned and prestigious honor of being selected to officiate in the NBA Playoffs, We appreciate the professionalism, dedication and teamwork that our officiating staff displays on a daily basis throughout the season.” NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

• Pascal Siakam dominates in Game 2 win over Bucks to tie series for Pacers
• Watch: Luka Doncic's dagger three evens Mavericks-Clippers series
• The 'Most points in a playoff game by team' quiz

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76ers plan to file grievance about officiating during first two games of series against Knicks

New York Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein, left, and Donte DiVincenzo, right, defend against Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid (21) during the second half of Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse reacts after a call during the second half of Game 2 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers plan to file a grievance related to the officiating during their series against the New York Knicks, a team spokesman said early Tuesday.

The 76ers lost both games in New York, with the Knicks rallying in the final 30 seconds for a 104-101 victory on Monday night.

The Knicks got the go-ahead 3-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo with 13 seconds left, a possession that started when they stole the ball from Tyrese Maxey . Maxey was unable to cleanly catch the inbounds pass while swarmed by Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart and fell to the ground, with Hart then ripping the ball away from him.

Joel Embiid said Maxey was fouled, and also that coach Nick Nurse and some players had attempted to call timeout before the Knicks got the ball. The All-Star center used an expletive in saying the officiating had been unacceptable.

The Knicks protested their Feb. 12 loss in Houston after referees determined after the game that a foul on Brunson that set up the winning free throws shouldn’t have been called. The NBA denied the protest, saying a referee error was not grounds to overturn a result.

The Knicks began listing breakdowns of that night’s officials in their game notes during the playoffs, listing their record with the officials along with statistics detailing the frequency of violations they call and how often their calls are challenged.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Nashville Predators

Vancouver Canucks

Dakota joshua scores 2 goals to help lift canucks past predators 4-2 in game 1 of playoff series, canucks score a pair of goals within 12 seconds of each other.

The Canucks stun the Predators and take a 3-2 lead at home by scoring two goals in 12 seconds.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- — Pius Suter and Dakota Joshua scored 12 seconds apart in the third period and the Vancouver Canucks stormed back for a 4-2 win over the Nashville Predators in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday night.

Joshua had two goals and an assist, Elias Lindholm also scored and Thatcher Demko stopped 20 shots for Vancouver, the Pacific Division champion which hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2015.

“We’ve been talking about being in one-goal games the whole season for these moments, and I love that there was zero panic today, hardly any at all,” Canucks forward J.T. Miller said. “We just stayed with it.”

Jason Zucker and Ryan O’Reilly scored for Nashville, and Juuse Saros made 17 saves.

The Canucks were trailing 2-1 when Suter tied it 8:59 into the third. Quin Hughes took a pass from Brock Boeser and blasted a shot that deflected off Suter and past Saros from just inside the blue line.

Just 12 seconds later, Lindholm checked Jeremy Lauzon behind the Predators’ net and shook him off the puck. Conor Garland picked it up and flicked it to Joshua, who sent it in from the top of the crease to put Vancouver up 3-2.

“I’ll never forget it,” Joshua said of his goal. “And it makes you want to keep doing it.”

Demko preserved the one-goal advantage with a series of late stops, including one on Roman Josi with 1:49 left.

The Predators pulled Saros and Joshua took advantage, scoring his second goal of the night into an empty net with 1:28 remaining to seal the victory.

“I think we just stayed patient the entire game and didn’t really push too hard or give anything up when we were down going into the third,” said Hughes, who had two assists. “We got our looks and we knew we were going to get our looks.”

Nashville went 1 for 4 on the power play, while Vancouver was 0 for 3.

“Every power play that you don’t score on is a missed opportunity,” Zucker said. “I thought it was nice to get that one. (O’Reilly) and those guys made some great plays there and I thought our (penalty kill) was really good tonight.”

Nashville opened the scoring 15:15 in when Zucker took a pass from Josi and sent a shot through traffic from the top of the faceoff circle and beat Demko stick side.

Lindholm tied it 47 seconds into the second by sending a long wrist shot past Saros.

The Canucks ran into penalty trouble midway through the second, taking three calls in just over six minutes. Nashville capitalized on their first man-advantage after Teddy Blueger was sent to the box for interference.

Gustav Nyquist slid a pass to O’Reilly, who launched a shot into the top corner of Vancouver’s net. It was O’Reilly’s 26th career playoff goal.

“I thought we were starting to take over the game and we fall asleep on a shift in the offensive zone, lose assignments, don’t block a shot and it’s 2-2,” Predators coach Andrew Brunette said. “And I thought we had a lot of momentum going there, so that’s hockey.

“We've got to learn from it and move on — Etch A Sketch memory, short term — and move straight ahead.”

Game notes The Canucks had 39 hits, while the Predators had 32. Predators forward Cole Smith had a game-high six. ... Josi has 32 career postseason assists, setting a Predators record. He also holds the franchise mark for playoff points by a defenseman with 43.

Game 2 is Tuesday night in Vancouver.

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

VAN leads 1-0

Game information.

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2023-24 Central Division Standings

2023-24 pacific division standings, alexandar georgiev resets after 'very rough first game,' leads avs win, forsberg and beauvillier each get a goal and an assist and predators knock off canucks 4-1, why the sabres turned back to lindy ruff.

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