I keep saying it. When big money is at stake, anything goes. Refs could be shaving points. The NFL could be dictating outcomes. If it matters for any reason, they alter the calls. Keep the audience happy, and keep the owners happy. If you knew all the things that Kraft did for the NFL, to propel them financially then you would clearly see why the Patriots get league wide favoritism.
It started with a big game here or there. A Superbowl every couple of years. Then the league sees how controlling outcomes actually can benefit them more than they ever dreamed. But, they still keep it to big games, just make it a more common occurrence. Then the owners start talking to each other about how dumb the fans are and how much more money they are making by controlling outcomes, so they started doing it in regular season games. Now it's rampant. Any game that they have the slightest reason to guide, they affect it by bad calls.
My guess is Elway cried for some help. You can't have the Broncos look as hapless as they have this year. It's bad for business. New England? Who better to top an undefeated juggernaut. And the Cowboys thrashing Jville? Seems fishy, since Dallas' offense has sucked all year.
Super bowls? 9/11? How fitting for America if the Patriots won? Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans? Let's give them a Superbowl win. America loves a heart warming ending. Bettis retires at home in Detroit? Another fairytale ending.