NFL ups intensity with All-Star officials for Rams-Chiefs game

The NFL took the unusual step this week of assigning an "All-Star" officiating crew to the most highly-anticipated game of the season, adding to the playoff-like frenzy for Monday night's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams.

Referee Clete Blakeman will work the game with only two members of his regular crew, umpire Ramon George and down judge Dana McKenzie. The other five officials -- including Jim Lapetina, who will handle replay -- were plucked from four other crews.

The approach is similar to how the NFL assigns officials to playoff games, a process that is based on performance and seniority rather than crew. But it is rarely, if ever, employed prior to the…