The 2025 AFC Championship Game presents a fascinating officiating challenge as the New England Patriots travel to face the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. While mainstream analysis focuses on quarterback duels and defensive strategies, the performance of referee Alex Kemp and his crew could materially impact which team represents the AFC in Super Bowl LX. Football Zebras provides an in-depth examination of the critical officiating narratives for this championship encounter.
The NFL's decision to assign Kemp's crew carries significant implications. During the regular season, this unit ranked among the league's more active in penalty enforcement, averaging 13.2 flags per game compared to the 11.7 league average. This tendency toward strict interpretation will be tested by two coaching staffs renowned for pushing rulebook boundaries. The assignment of Carl Johnson as replay official provides a stabilizing presence, particularly for the nuanced judgment calls that define playoff football.
New England's penalty profile reveals concerning trends that could prove costly in a championship environment. The Patriots committed 112 penalties during the regular season, ranking 24th in NFL discipline and drawing particular scrutiny for their secondary play. Their divisional playoff victory over Houston featured eight infractions for 65 yards, with three defensive pass interference calls extending Texans drives into scoring territory. Head coach Bill Belichick has prioritized correction this week, particularly regarding illegal contact beyond five yards and defensive holding in the secondary. The Patriots' offensive line, meanwhile, has struggled with false starts in hostile environments, committing 12 such penalties on the road this season, with left tackle Trent Brown accounting for five individually.
Denver presents a more disciplined statistical picture, having finished the regular season with just 77 penalties, ranking fourth-best league-wide and demonstrating excellent coaching under Sean Payton. However, their divisional win against Buffalo exposed cracks, including two personal fouls for late hits and a critical delay of game penalty that forced them to punt from midfield. Broncos head coach Sean Payton has emphasized composure, particularly from veteran safety Justin Simmons, whose aggressive playing style occasionally crosses into illegal territory. The Broncos' offensive line must also contend with holding penalties against New England's creative pass rush schemes, especially when the Patriots deploy their amoeba fronts that confuse blocking assignments.
The Mile High environment creates unique officiating variables. At 5,280 feet elevation, the ball travels approximately 10% farther, affecting pass interference judgments as defensive backs must cover more ground. More significantly, crowd noise at Empower Field has historically forced visiting teams into communication errors. The Patriots' offense, which uses extensive pre-snap motion and audibles, will be particularly vulnerable to false start and illegal procedure penalties. Kemp's crew called 23 false starts during the regular season, suggesting they won't grant leeway.
Several specific rules demand attention. The NFL's emphasis on roughing the passer protection has intensified this postseason, with officials extending protection beyond the traditional strike zone. Both teams feature quarterbacks who extend plays outside the pocket, creating judgment calls on when contact becomes illegal. The catch rule takes on added complexity in Denver's thin air, where ball rotation and receiver control become less predictable. Replay reviews under two minutes could prove decisive, especially with Johnson's meticulous approach.
Defensive pass interference represents the most critical rule application in this matchup. The Patriots' press-man coverage invites contact penalties, while Denver's cornerbacks have been flagged 14 times for illegal contact this season. Kemp's crew called 23 DPI penalties during the regular season, well above the 17.8 league average, indicating they monitor downfield contact closely. Championship game officials traditionally allow more physical play, but Kemp's assignment suggests the league wants consistent enforcement rather than subjective looseness. The crew's ability to distinguish between incidental contact and material restriction will be tested repeatedly by both teams' aggressive passing attacks.
Special teams officiating could prove surprisingly influential. Denver's altitude creates longer kickoffs, increasing the likelihood of fair catch interference and running into the kicker penalties. The Patriots' special teams units have been flagged four times for illegal formation on kicks this season. In a game where field position may determine the outcome, these often-overlooked penalties carry magnified importance. The line judge and side judge must maintain vigilance on coverage lanes and blocking techniques.
Historical precedent informs expectations. Kemp officiated the 2023 AFC Championship, where his crew called 15 penalties in a tightly contested game. That experience should prepare him for the championship atmosphere and the sophisticated gamesmanship both Belichick and Payton employ. The NFL's decision to assign a veteran crew with recent championship experience signals their desire for confident, consistent officiating rather than controversy.
The line judge and side judge positions warrant particular attention. These officials monitor the line of scrimmage and downfield contact respectively—critical responsibilities against two teams that excel at play-action passing and defensive disguise. Pre-snap movement by Denver's defense and New England's offensive shifts will test these officials' ability to identify illegal motion and neutral zone infractions without slowing the game's pace.
Weather conditions could further complicate officiating. January in Denver often brings sub-freezing temperatures and occasional snow, affecting visibility for officials and ball security for players. The fumble and incomplete pass distinction becomes harder to determine with cold hands and slick conditions. Kemp's crew must maintain clear communication and rely on replay when necessary, despite the championship-game preference to keep the flag in the pocket.
Ultimately, the officiating narrative will center on consistency. Both coaching staffs will test boundaries early to establish how tightly Kemp's crew intends to enforce rules. The crew's ability to manage emotions—particularly from Payton, known for his sideline intensity—while maintaining game flow will prove essential. With a Super Bowl berth at stake, every call faces microscopic examination from broadcast analysts and social media.
The 2025 AFC Championship's legacy may well depend on whether the officiating enhances or overshadows the on-field competition. Alex Kemp's crew carries that responsibility into Mile High, tasked with enforcing rules fairly while allowing two elite teams to decide the outcome through execution rather than penalty flags.