I was just talking to my girl about this. She asked me the same question.
100% yes, the NFL is steering games. Now, I don't suggest every ref "is in on it", nor the players or coaches. However, after watching the NFL now for what, (dating myself here) 47 years now, I can honestly answer yes.
I have researched the UFO/UAP phenomenon for 35 years. When people ask me if the government is hiding the truth about UFOs I say yes, but it's the same thing with the NFL. That doesn't mean every employee or official is aware of what's going on. Hardly. In fact, it is so compartmentalized that usually not one person knows the truth of what's going on. That's on purpose. Not even the president of the United States knows exactly what is going on.
Now before you adorn me with a tin foil hat, you have to consider how much money is involved with this league. There is no way in Hell you can convince me there's zero steering in the NFL. That ship has long left the port. As Seahawks fans, all I have to say is "Super Bowl 40" and you feel me.
Even the late Bill Leavy, head ref of SB40*
admitted he lost sleep over the calls in that game. Unprecedented.
So yes Anastasia, steering is a real thing. Nobody, and I mean nobody, will ever convince me otherwise.