NFL Players, Analysts Call Out Refs for Controversial Decisions in Bills-Broncos Overtime: ‘Complete Disgrace’

It’s hard to make it through the postseason without the refs becoming a storyline. Today, the refs drew plenty of criticism for their performance in overtime of the Broncos-Bills game. The brutal pass interference calls late in the game cost Buffalo in the end, and their fate is the exact same as the previous year: disappointment in the playoffs.

After the game, NFL players and analysts took to social media to express their thoughts on the refs’ controversial calls.

NFL World Rips the Referees’ Calls in Overtime of Broncos-Bills

There were a number of close calls that went Denver’s way in overtime. First, the contested catch between Brandin Cooks and Ja’Quan McMillian, in which McMillian walked away with the football. Two pass interference calls moved the Broncos down the field nearly 50 years, essentially determining the game and prompting many to question the calls.

“These refs stink,” said one NFL analyst.

These refs stink.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 18, 2026

Two-time Super Bowl champion LeSean McCoy weighed in on the referee’s performance and blamed them for ruining a great playoff game.

“The guys in the black and white always kill the GREAT GAMES SMH,” said McCoy.

The guys in the black n white always kill the GREAT GAMES SMH

— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) January 18, 2026

“53 yards in penalties on an OT drive in the playoffs. That’s just bad officiating,” said former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky.

A third former player, JJ Watt, chimed in on the debate. He was not thrilled with the pass interference call on Taron Johnson, which was also combined with a roughing the passer by Joey Bosa. Despite the roughing penalty, Watt called out the weak call.

“Weak pass interference call but definitely roughing the passer,” said Watt.

Take a look at the video of the pass interference and roughing penalties.

Bills flagged for pass interference and roughing the passer pic.twitter.com/Ktf57EX8m8

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 18, 2026

Notable NFL insider Albert Breer took to social media to express his disappointment in the refs as well.

“Wow … that’s a soft DPI call to end the game on,” said Breer.

Wow … that’s a soft DPI call to end the game on.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 18, 2026

“The refs in the NFL are a complete disgrace,” said former NHL player and Barstool Sports host Ryan Whitney

The referees definitely left their mark on the game. Whether the calls were correct is up to the public to decide, but they were polarizing and caused plenty of drama.

The refs stole the show in this game, and Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed his frustration after the game — particularly with the interception call on the pass to Cooks.

“It’s hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled,” McDermott said. “And if it is ruled that way, then why wasn’t it slowed down just to make sure that we have this right? That would have made a lot sense to me. To make sure we have this thing right, because that’s a pivotal play in the game. We have the ball at the 20, maybe kicking a game-winning field goal right there. So I’ll just leave it at that.

“I’m saying it because I’m standing up for Buffalo, damn it. I’m standing up for us. Cause what went on, that’s not how it should go down in my estimation. These guys spent three hours out there playing football, pouring their guts out, to not even say, ‘Hey, let’s just slow this thing down,’ that’s why I’m bothered.”

McDermott’s frustration is justified, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be fined for his criticism of the refs. Regardless, the refs became the story of this contest, which is never what you want in an overtime playoff thriller.

The refs are understandably getting grilled on social media by many fans in addition to these players and analysts, and it doesn’t seem the hate will die down anytime soon.