UKBillFan

After feeling calm for the most part, I've got my usual pre-game nerves again.

I guess there may have been the issue then of the Bengals and Bills saying it's unfair for them to have to play whilst the other play off teams get given a bye.

Thanks - that's the one part of the outcome I've struggled to get my head round!

Bailey’s filed a grievance against the Pats. https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/1/7/23543862/jake-bailey-grievance-patriots-suspension

Not sure if that’s going to do Damar’s heart any good!

At what minute today do we start saying that the officials are out to get the Bills to appease the Bengals? Anyone want to run a sweepstake?

Also bear in mind that, according to Burrow, some Bengals players on Wednesday were talking about not playing against the Ravens. Yet some Bengals fans think they would have continued in the same frame of mind if they played on on Monday? https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/zac-taylor-bengals-move-focus-ravens

The coaching staff were happy for Benford to take the field so not sure whether it’s a case of preferring experience to a rookie when it comes to Elam. I think more likely something happening in training or behind the scenes to make them doubt that he is ready.

Possibly only two if the Bills lose and the Bengals win, as I think the Jungle would host the Divisional game in that scenario, if both teams get that far.

With the fantastic news on Damar, I still have no expectations on the season. My feeling is the furthest the Bills get is the Championship game. The Divisional game may be one step too far for them. Even if Josh plays lights out, as he did last year in the play offs, I think the injuries in defense will catch up with the Bills. If Miller and Hyde were available, and Poyer and Milano were not carrying injuries, then there would be more than a chance. As it is… take it a game at a time and what happens happens.

I do feel uncomfortable about the coin toss so the perfect solution would be the Bengals to lose the game and win the toss - then they have very little to gripe about.

And I think there would have been a lot of push back if the NFL had given the Bills a forfeit too. Especially as, as you say, there are rules in place which, as far as the Bills situation goes, was followed. For the organisation’s sake, I hope the Bengals win today. For the fan’s sake, I hope they lose. Couple that with a Bills win and the latter would have taken the second seed anyway IIRC, even with defeat at the Jungle.

Maybe what you’re hinting at but, if we win the Super Bowl (big if) then Cowboys at Bills will probably kick off the season. The Chiefs have quite a soft home schedule. I presume the AFC North team they’re schedule to play is the Bengals so Bengals at Chiefs will kick off the season should the latter win it. As for the “who gives a damn about Hamlin, just give us the win” lot, they’d probably send the Bills there on opening night, with the interest in the game. The only other real possibility at this stage is the Vikings. Chargers - They’ve got the Bills, Chiefs and presumably Eagles or Cowboys at home so a selection there Eagles - Home games against the Bills, presumably Bengals and 49ers so one of them 49ers - Cowboys or Bengals Cowboys - Probably the worst selection of home games from an opening night point of view. Would they send the Giants there for ratings? If they win the division they’d get the Bengals which would obviously be interesting; otherwise it’ll presumably be the Ravens. I think they’re the only teams who have a chance of winning the SB but a lot can change between now and mid February.

The organisation is. I thought the fans were. Clearly not.

Because all you're doing is whining about how unfair it all is. How do you know Burrow wasn't about to go down with a (not so serious as Hamlin) injury on the very next play? How do you know that, had the game played, that the Bills wouldn't have rallied round and played lights out, above the standards expected? Or wouldn't have adjusted? Or nerves set in and similar errors the Bengals made against the Pats could have happened again. My gut says you're right. The Bengals would have beaten the Bills on Monday night, even if the Hamlin situation hadn't occured. But no one can be sure. You seem to be acting as though we're over the moon this happened. Nothing could be further from the truth. Zac Taylor claimed he wanted the rules to be followed. When it comes to the seeding placement for the Bills and Bengals they actually have been. Personally, I think the Bengals should get automatic home field against the Ravens albeit you should beat them today, and any Bengals-Bills game should be on a neutral field. When it comes to the Ravens set up it is a fudge, but when it comes to the Bills? It is actually following what is there.

Wonder if Titans fans still think they've found their Josh Allen in Dobbs???

That looked like a pass to me.

Jags take the AFC South; the Titans are out of the picture.

Henry IS the Titans Offense. That is the problem.

The Jags may as well try Agnew in the running game, considering how he's dominating Special Teams.

Yes, could still take the seventh seed. Think they need the Pats and Dolphins to lose. Not sure about the Steelers.

Excellent tackle; not sure why the Jags are asking for a flag.

Me too. Booking a Tuesday off work is just odd. If the games go as expected, I'd guess at: Chargers at Jaguars (Saturday late pm) Ravens at Bengals (Saturday night) Giants at Vikings (Sunday early pm) Patriots at Bills (Sunday late pm) Packers at 49ers (Sunday night) Cowboys at Buccaneers (Monday night) But if the Seahawks or Lions take the seventh seed in the NFC, for example, then things would change.

What? Where? Are they not watching the Titans play at the moment?

They mentioned he got married this year so may want to spend more time focused on his personal life.