transplantbillsfan

Don't know where to bring this up other than here... So... I had heard on the radio before the Dolphins game that the AP reported Hamlin would be attending the game, but Hamlin tweeted that instead he would be staying home. Was the AP wrong that he planned to attend? I think it was at least a thought on his part https://www.outkick.com/damar-hamlin-plans-to-attend-sundays-playoff-game-and-he-wants-it-to-go-a-special-way/ Soooo... wild and crazy thought here... did Hamlin plan to attend the game but either choose on his own or be told to stay home instead by McDermott and company? And not even for health reasons... more for "we're obviously going to win this game so it won't be my/your last chance" reason. Basically (and after the way Buffalo played, you wonder), did Buffalo just plan on Hamlin showing up at the Divisional round game as an emotional lift because they didn't think it was remotely necessary against the Dolphins? I think Hamlin is at the game this weekend. Considering the opponent, there should be a lot of emotion for both teams.

Yep. You forgot the TD to Knox if we're just focusing on WR ***** ups... and I guess also Beasley not catching a ball or getting a holding or DPI call. And I realize those passes aren't part of the point you were making. I said to my buddy we went back in time for this game because our WR corps was our 2020 WR corps plus Shakir. That's not a good thing at this point. Allen was also the reason we won. Did you watch Burrow tonight? He really wasn't any better

That's on you. 2 weeks ago this team saw a teammate die and be revived on the football field. A week and a half ago they got the good news that he'd live a likely somewhat normal life. A week ago they won their regular season finale against a divisional opponent largely on emotion. I view this week almost as week 1 of a new season. Had to shake some rust off. A win is a win. Who cares how fans feel about it as long as they advance? So, respectfully.... who cares if you can't smile about your team winning a playoff game and advancing?

Before this thread becomes the afterthought it's going to become as Mahomes wins MVP, may we just take a moment to consider that despite starting 16 games instead of 17 and playing even less when you factor Josh sitting large chunks of the Titans and Steelers games (did Mahomes even take a seat this year?) Allen has 3 fewer TDs, 2 more INTs, 500 fewer total yards and the same number of wins. All while dealing with an elbow injury and everything else this team had to deal with during the season. Milano finally and miraculously got his much deserved All Pro spot. Maybe Allen gets a bunch of deserved MVP votes.

Also... 16 games for Allen 17 games for Mahomes And lest we forget about the large chunks of the Steelers and Titans games Allen didn't even play. Just FYI... I think this is how things will always go over their careers. Stat pumping for Mahomes while Allen just naturally serves as the actual MVP

Really? I could absolutely see that happening. I don't think the Chiefs lose to them, though.

We should crush them

Watch other teams

Amazing news!

Thanks for the clarification. Interesting. Can definitely see why they would be upset. Okay... can anyone tell me then why it would've been a coin toss for the Ravens and Bengals for next week if the Ravens won today but there's not something similar for Bills and Bengals if both win on Saturday? Just trying to understand

Can someone explain something to me. If Buffalo meets Cincy in the Divisional round is it in Buffalo or a neutral site? In the spirit of what the league was doing with the "what ifs" for the AFC Championship game in terms of neutral site I guess I just figured if Buffalo and Cincy won in week 18 and both won in WC weekend the game would be played on a neutral site since Cincy might have been the 2 seed if they beat Buffalo on Monday. Is that what's happening? Neutral game in the Divisional round if the 2 teams meet? All the talking heads on TV make it sound like it's in Buffalo. If it's not a neutral site, I can definitely understand the Bengals being upset.

The MNF is one of the #4 vs #5 games. Isn't that automatic?

Mahomes obviously will win MVP. I don't know that he should, but he will. Meanwhile it felt like Allen had to play this season with one arm tied behind his back and yet in only 16 games he still ended the season with 42 TDs and over 5000 yards. Beginning of the season there was so much talk about how great this roster is when, in reality, it's pretty clear it's a roster that rides on its QB's back. It must have been so nice for Allen and the offense to see Hines score those 2 kickoff returns. Nice relief. Time for a Super Bowl run and for Allen to get truly out of the shadow of Mahomes and win a Super Bowl MVP.

You're assuming Cincy wins one game and KC wins 2 games. It's the playoffs, which means win or go home. The last few days everyone has been assuming who wins each game. Seems naive to me. Set yourself up in the best position to win each game you're assured to play. Right now, that's the WC round. That's it.

Respectfully, I'd be fine if they rested players and treated it as a potential bye week to get healthy. Allen now has an injured ankle along with his elbow. Other players have injuries. This game is completely insignificant in terms of the WC round. And frankly, it's one game at a time at this point. Don't think it'll happen, but I'd be fine if they rested their starters. And I'm also fine if they don't.

So in terms of my understanding of what was released, the game would still matter in terms of whether the AFC Championship is played in KC or a neutral site if both teams get there. It's debatable whether the neutral site game or resting starters on Sunday is more valuable. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Sorry, but I'm 100% in this boat if the Bills and Bengals aren't making up their game and the Chiefs win on Saturday. I understand the emotional reason to play the game, but as far as the seeding goes you're fighting at that point just with Cincy for the #2 or #3 seed. Yes... I get that this matters a little, but does it matter as much as being healthier and better rested? I gotta believe the teams know more, but if the Bills and Bengals are being left totally in the dark about the concept of making that game up, it's just ridiculously unfair to both teams. Announce what will happen please. Even if it's something like "the Bills and Bengals game is contingent upon the results of the Chiefs and Raiders game." At least that way they know what they're playing for and that they still have a shot at the #1 seed.

I wonder if the NFL pushes this game to Monday night. This would especially make sensebif they go through with the proposed plan of Bills and Bengals making the game up the following weekend and scrapping the Super Bowl bye week.

I get that. Is that worth more than the extra week you could take to emotionally and physically recover?

Okay. I think that's a pretty decent proposal. I think they should play on a neutral field, though.

I don't even view this in that light. This game is either going to be a game where the Bills come out emotionally charged and dominate largely in honor of their fallen comrade OR they're going to be emotionally flat and lose. Neither would surprise me. And honestly, I don't think I really care if they lose unless the league comes out with a plan regarding the game not played and the Bills still have a pathway to the #1 seed. Let's be honest, the Chiefs are going to be the #1 seed unless the Bills and Bengals game is made up or they're both given Ws (not gonna happen). Hope Buffalo forfeits and just rests everyone. If we're locked into the #2 or #3 seed who really cares?

Okay... that roll on Josh's ankle looked obviously intentional. Not gonna lie... I kinda started hating the Bengals over the last few weeks. Something about their attitude really grinds my gears. And those videos don't make me feel any better. However, I will give them the benefit of the doubt for the moment because their team and fans have been total class for the last 24 hours. That said... if Taron or especially Josh are seriously hurt... I hate them.

If this is the case, I would really like McDermott and the team to forfeit the game on Sunday if KC wins. I'm sure there are internal conversations about this already, but I don't even understand how Buffalo is expected to start practicing tomorrow. I could see players going in and spending the day together praying and talking and laying on couches getting their heads shrinked. But does anyone honestly expect Buffalo to have a normal practice tomorrow? Thinking strictly in terms of the season (because of course we're all still praying for Damar), the league should have figured this all our and notified teams today. Buffalo and Cincinnati are both already at a competitive disadvantage this weekend because they're half-heartedly thinking about their opponents while simultaneously not having a clue about anything else.