Captain Caveman

In that case my understanding is it would not be at a neutral field.

Those are awesome places to travel to but I doubt they’re going to put it in a division rivals stadium.

Maybe, but the way the league is handling it is that Buffalo and Cinci at least played the same number of games, and buffalo won more of them, so they're the 1 seed. Yes, but probably not enough to change things, especially since the Bengals would be beating a stronger team (Baltimore) than we would be losing to (Patriots)

Is anyone else checking constantly to see where this neutral game would be played (I know Indy and Atlanta are most likely) to start making some (refundable) reservations?

Yeah, you're right, I forgot the Bengals would still be a game behind the Chiefs in that case

Yes, if Bills or Bengals win Monday's game instead of a no contest they almost certainly don't get the 1 seed.

It almost certainly won't, but depending on the math it could be possible because it's not just about the Patriots and Ravens, it's about all of the teams that we each played this year. So in theory (depending on the margin, and I'm not going to do the math) if every non-common opponent we played wins this weekend, and every non-common opponent of the Bengals loses, then our strength of victory could surpass theirs.

It would diminish the Ravens record but they'll still be ahead of the Pats (even if they win.). And yes, all the teams are factored in, but we have a lot of common opponents since the two divisions played each other, so not much wiggle room.

The idea is splitting the benefits of the 1 seed between the top two teams since the Chiefs likely would not have won the 1 seed had the Bills / Bengals game been played (and assuming Bills / Bengals win this week)

It's very unlikely to change in the Bills favor since the Bengals are playing a stronger team this coming weekend.

Not from everything I've read. Very easy to see here that Bills would be 3 and Cinci would be 2 in that case. http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine Since the entire premise of this thread is incorrect can we shut it down?

You should open it tonight and see if you can finish it in 13 seconds https://youtu.be/awXQBm9aI-U

But they didn't? That game is going to be a no contest.

Yes, but in this situation we'd win even if we had the same winning percentage since we hold the tie breaker over KC, right? No, that's not right Having the Chiefs lose and us win Sunday still gives us the #1 seed (probably the only way it happens now)

And lost 2 important players and how many days of prep / sleep this week?

Well, we likely need someone who can play safety, and Rhodes ain't that guy

If you asked the team if they'd rather have a chance to play Cinci next week for a bye (while giving the whole rest of the AFC a bye in the process) my guess is it might come down 50/50 on whether they'd rather play for it or take the no-contest (or forfeit) and move on to the playoffs as the 2 or 3.

Who is saying that? If we lost to the Bengals (certainly a possibility the way they were throwing on us and considering our injuries), then losing to the Patriots (or a forfeit) has no impact on our seeding / standing - we are at 3 with a loss to the Bengals, and remain a 3 with a loss to the Patriots.

If the team publicly states they're not ready, especially if there aren't positive developments with Hamlin, it would be a PR nightmare for the league to push back on it. That's why you have Troy Vincent out there today saying the league will look to the Bills Players and Coaches for direction. Not for the Pats, and also could decide the AFC North depending on what ends up happening with the Bills / Bengals result.

I've got 2 sons, aged 7 and 10. They just started hockey this year. I'd be open to football with a good coach, but I don't think I'd win that (or let's say I'd probably choose another) battle. With that said, this particular type of Cardiac Event seems to be much more common / likely in sports like baseball / lacrosse / hockey with a small hard ball or puck traveling at a high velocity.

If we lose we are likely the 3 seed (unless Cinci also loses) in which case we will likely face Baltimore I think. If we win we most likely end up as 2 seed and the would play whoever is 7 (Miami or Pittsburgh I'd guess?)

I feel like any further achievements at this point this year would be exceptional. I am thankful to have Stefon Diggs on this roster - between trying to get the guys ready when it seemed like they might be expected to play, and deciding he wouldn't be stopped from visiting the Hospital after the game, he showed a fire last night that I think can keep this team afloat for at least a bit longer.

It's pretty telling how many people are sure that one solution or another "can't / won't happen" and how someone is gonna have to be wrong. This whole thing is pretty unprecedented - with that said, seeing as though no matter what someone is going to be unhappy with the solution (meaning some team), my best guess is they go with the simplest solution, which is probably not counting last night's game, or counting it as a tie for both teams, or counting it as a forfeit for the Bills. Any of those would make sense to me (keeping in mind that there is no great solution.)

I'd be surprised if the League announces anything publicly before there is an update on Hamlin (unless it's that the game won't be played) And from what I've seen there is unlikely to be any significant news (positive at least) until late tonight or tomorrow. With that said, my guess is there are internal discussions on how to handle it and the Bills and Bengals (and possibly other teams as well if there are competition questions) are looped in.