Meaningless late season games

[Bills fan since 87]

What a strange and wonderful feeling to have again!  Both this year, and to an extent last years as our WC spot was locked up a couple weeks before the season ended.

 

I recall late season games from my highschool days when the Bills won 4 straight AFC championships (that's how I prefer to remember it) that didnt matter in the standings.

 

I remember them not being boring but relaxing before the anxiety would get turned all the way up before the playoffs.

 

They were fun games because you could see the backups try to thwart other teams playoff chances to shine in their opportunities.  All the while knowing we were about to go play in the Superbowl tournament regardless of what happened.

 

The only stress is injuries but with the backups in that's even minimal.   

As far as I'm concerned pull the starters at the half tonight and let's enjoy some stress free football the next 2 weeks.   Go Bills!

 

Edited December 28, 2020 by Bills fan since 87

[JoPoy88]

Not sure where or how this narrative that these games are “meaningless” began. It’s wrong.

[Bills fan since 87]

Just now, JoPoy88 said:

Not sure where or how this narrative that these games are “meaningless” began. It’s wrong.

 

If there was true home field advantage or a bye at stake I'd agree.  When your locked into a spot (like last year) or there is no real advantage at stake (like this year) I'd say the games hold little meaning outside our health.

[JoPoy88]

Just now, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

If there was true home field advantage or a bye at stake I'd agree.  When your locked into a spot (like last year) or there is no real advantage at stake (like this year) I'd say the games hold little meaning outside our health.

ask the players and coaches if they’d rather have 1 or 2 guaranteed home games in the playoffs. Even this year.

[Jerome007]

4 minutes ago, JoPoy88 said:

Not sure where or how this narrative that these games are “meaningless” began. It’s wrong.

Maybe not meaningless, but the stress level is fairly low. It becomes more about having guys stay injury free than anything else. Great place to be, but not the same adrenaline rush, to say the least.

 

Bills have clinched the East and the Cheats got eliminated last week. It would have been greater if both happened this game ha ha. 

Edited December 28, 2020 by Jerome007

[billspro]

This is so stress free I love it. Usually I would be so nervous all day. 

[JoPoy88]

3 minutes ago, Jerome007 said:

Maybe not meaningless, but the stress level is fairly low. It becomes more about having guys stay injury free than anything else. Great place to be, but not the same adrenaline rush, to say the least.

 

Bills have clinched the East and the Cheats got eliminated last week. It would have been greater if both happened this game ha ha. 

you can absolutely say these games are low stress (comparatively). I’ve no issue with that and would agree with you 100%. But completely meaningless just isn’t accurate. Maybe it’s hyperbole. But there are plenty of things that can go well or poorly over these last 2 games.

[elijah]

I don’t understand the immense amount of fans that have no preference between the 2 and 3 seed. And it’s not just fans, it’s a good chunk of the Buffalo media as well. 

 

Sure, home field advantage isn’t as strong, if any strength at all, this year. I’ll give the crowd that, but what about the opportunity to push the Chiefs back to the AFC Championship Round? 

 

They’re the only team in the AFC that I believe is better than this Bills team, and maybe the only team in the NFL. 

 

Lock up the 2 seed and push back the potential matchup against an excellent KC team back one more week down the road. 

[Jerome007]

1 minute ago, JoPoy88 said:

you can absolutely say these games are low stress (comparatively). I’ve no issue with that and would agree with you 100%. But completely meaningless just isn’t accurate. Maybe it’s hyperbole. But there are plenty of things that can go well or poorly over these last 2 games.

Poorly is the injuries. They better not happen.

 

I actually dislike this ha ha. The mindset is total fight mode normally, and now it's a preservation one. Not quite the same. At least, once the game starts, most players and fans go berserk. 

[Johnny Hammersticks]

1 minute ago, JoPoy88 said:

you can absolutely say these games are low stress (comparatively). I’ve no issue with that and would agree with you 100%. But completely meaningless just isn’t accurate. Maybe it’s hyperbole. But there are plenty of things that can go well or poorly over these last 2 games.

 

I agree with you.  Securing the #2 seed is far from meaningless.  Ensures two home playoff games if we win the first one.  Chance to knock a division foe out of the playoffs.  Less stressful, but these games are very, very important, IMO.

[SCBills]

I think, in terms of winning a Super Bowl, tonight is important. 

 

Most likely, anyone coming out of the AFC has to face KC at some point, but you don't want to face them in the Second Round, coming off a bye week.

 

As far as next week goes, I have no clue how McDermott will handle it.  If we think Steelers are laying down, I'm sure we will also.  If not, who knows how much value McD puts on guaranteed home field until the AFCCG and avoiding the perceived tougher WC team in Baltimore.

[Bferra13]

2 minutes ago, elijah said:

I don’t understand the immense amount of fans that have no preference between the 2 and 3 seed. And it’s not just fans, it’s a good chunk of the Buffalo media as well. 

 

Sure, home field advantage isn’t as strong, if any strength at all, this year. I’ll give the crowd that, but what about the opportunity to push the Chiefs back to the AFC Championship Round? 

 

They’re the only team in the AFC that I believe is better than this Bills team, and maybe the only team in the NFL. 

 

Lock up the 2 seed and push back the potential matchup against an excellent KC team back one more week down the road. 

 

Eh it doesn't matter what the fans or media think. Im sure McBeane will handle this the proper way (whatever that may be).

[JoPoy88]

4 minutes ago, elijah said:

I don’t understand the immense amount of fans that have no preference between the 2 and 3 seed. And it’s not just fans, it’s a good chunk of the Buffalo media as well. 

 

Sure, home field advantage isn’t as strong, if any strength at all, this year. I’ll give the crowd that, but what about the opportunity to push the Chiefs back to the AFC Championship Round? 

 

They’re the only team in the AFC that I believe is better than this Bills team, and maybe the only team in the NFL. 

 

Lock up the 2 seed and push back the potential matchup against an excellent KC team back one more week down the road. 

This, plus there are bad case scenarios where the Bills could fall to the 4 seed.

[BUFFALOKIE]

4 minutes ago, elijah said:

I don’t understand the immense amount of fans that have no preference between the 2 and 3 seed. And it’s not just fans, it’s a good chunk of the Buffalo media as well. 

 

Sure, home field advantage isn’t as strong, if any strength at all, this year. I’ll give the crowd that, but what about the opportunity to push the Chiefs back to the AFC Championship Round? 

 

They’re the only team in the AFC that I believe is better than this Bills team, and maybe the only team in the NFL. 

 

Lock up the 2 seed and push back the potential matchup against an excellent KC team back one more week down the road. 

BOLD PREDICTION:

 

KC won't make it to AFCCG!

[Lv-Bills]

19 minutes ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

If there was true home field advantage or a bye at stake I'd agree.  When your locked into a spot (like last year) or there is no real advantage at stake (like this year) I'd say the games hold little meaning outside our health.

Ugh.  This is about as wrong a narrative as it gets.  Being in the comfort of your own surroundings is 1000 times better than being on the road.  Period.  Second, there is nobody in the AFC that wants to play the Ravens right now.  Nobody.  They are at #6.  They aren't going backwards.  Because of that, getting the #2 seed means you avoid Baltimore in the first round.  It also likely means that Baltimore beats Pittsburgh in Round 1, and then goes on to play the Chiefs in Round 2, meaning we would most likely miss the best two teams in the AFC (other than the Bills) before the AFC Championship.  That's huge.  And don't think the coaches don't know it.  And throw all the rah rah garbage out about you have to play the best the be the best nonsense.  You actually don't always have to play the best to be the best.  Get the easiest possible road to the 'ship as possible.  The coaches no doubt are thinking the same way.  Even if Baltimore ends up #5, the playoffs then re-seed for Round two.  If all three favorites win in Round 1, plus Baltimore, the Ravens still go to KC in Round 2.  That would be perfect for us.

 

The #2 seed isn't meaningless.  It's everything.   Especially with Baltimore peaking at the moment.  We don't have a meaningless game left.  

Edited December 28, 2020 by Lv-Bills

[Beast]

16 minutes ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

If there was true home field advantage or a bye at stake I'd agree.  When your locked into a spot (like last year) or there is no real advantage at stake (like this year) I'd say the games hold little meaning outside our health.

 

So, you'd rather play at Pittsburgh or at Tennessee in the playoffs instead of at home?

 

That makes zero sense.

[Buffalophil1948]

Idk about meaningless, less stress absolutely.  With Pitt winning yesterday I would prefer us to win and maintaining the #2 seed. If KC slips up, which is possible because they haven't looked dominant over the past few weeks.  We could be looking at home field advantage through out the playoffs.  Plus it would be nice to put a beat down on the Pat's and fins.

[Jpsredemption]

Sean McDermott is the ultimate routine oriented coach..do you think having two home playoff games doesn’t matter to him? This meaningless stuff is ridiculous. 

[MJS]

Meaningless from the perspective of drought era Bills fans. But they are super meaningful for Superbowl contending teams. You want every advantage you can get in the playoffs. So that means going for the 2 seed. Don't settle for the 3 or 4 seed because that might come back to bite you.

 

No settling. Go get the wins and ensure you get the 2 seed. Now, if the Bills have it locked up before their week 17 game, feel free to rest starters.

[Big Turk]

33 minutes ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

What a strange and wonderful feeling to have again!  Both this year, and to an extent last years as our WC spot was locked up a couple weeks before the season ended.

 

I recall late season games from my highschool days when the Bills won 4 straight AFC championships (that's how I prefer to remember it) that didnt matter in the standings.

 

I remember them not being boring but relaxing before the anxiety would get turned all the way up before the playoffs.

 

They were fun games because you could see the backups try to thwart other teams playoff chances to shine in their opportunities.  All the while knowing we were about to go play in the Superbowl tournament regardless of what happened.

 

The only stress is injuries but with the backups in that's even minimal.   

As far as I'm concerned pull the starters at the half tonight and let's enjoy some stress free football the next 2 weeks.   Go Bills!

 

 

Tell that to a fringe roster player hoping to make some plays so that he might put something on tape for teams around the league to see during a game and earn himself a new contract.

 

Pretty sure he doesn't view it as meaningless.

Edited December 28, 2020 by Big Turk

[Bills fan since 87]

7 minutes ago, Beast said:

 

So, you'd rather play at Pittsburgh or at Tennessee in the playoffs instead of at home?

 

That makes zero sense.

 

I would 100% rather play on the road than at home with an injured star.  Especially this year.

[Da webster guy]

29 minutes ago, JoPoy88 said:

Not sure where or how this narrative that these games are “meaningless” began. It’s wrong.

 Jets game last year week 17.  Totally meaningless, sat everyone, gameplanned for Houston.   

[billsfan89]

Definitely not meaningless as the seeding is important. I think a win tonight clinches a 3 seed. The 3 seed is important because it ensures you avoid KC until the AFCCG. The 2 seed is also still in play which gives you homefield for the first two rounds and against anyone besides KC. But it is nice to have the playoffs and a good seed locked up with 2 games left to go. It feels good to be jockeying for position as to hoping to squeak in or wondering if this team has been eliminated yet. During the drought years by week 16 most seasons this team would have been officially eliminated and we would be hoping to lose out to get a better draft pick.

[The Frankish Reich]

1 minute ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

I would 100% rather play on the road than at home with an injured star.  Especially this year.

Exactly. I don't have the numbers, but just from memory let's think about a few key players - Allen, Diggs, Beasley, Brown, Morse, Dawkins on offense; Hughes, Edmunds, Milano, Tre, Hyde, Poyer on defense. That's half a dozen guys on each side of the ball where losing him - or even having him hobbled, even for one playoff game - would cause a serious drop-off in performance. I think everyone but Diggs and Dawkins (maybe Poyer? Hughes?) has been nicked up in a game in noticeable way this year.

What are the chances that at least 1 or 2 of these guys suffers a significant injury in any given game? Would it be 20%? 30%? I can't really see it being lower when you take into account injuries that might not knock a guy out of a game yet will diminish his ability to perform. 

That's an unacceptable risk when the benefit side of the equation is something like "a slight chance of hosting a later round playoff game if the Chiefs or Steelers lose early." That's why you sit key players. And it's even more important this year with the loss of the bye week for division champs.

 

[Johnny Hammersticks]

26 minutes ago, The Frankish Reich said:

Exactly. I don't have the numbers, but just from memory let's think about a few key players - Allen, Diggs, Beasley, Brown, Morse, Dawkins on offense; Hughes, Edmunds, Milano, Tre, Hyde, Poyer on defense. That's half a dozen guys on each side of the ball where losing him - or even having him hobbled, even for one playoff game - would cause a serious drop-off in performance. I think everyone but Diggs and Dawkins (maybe Poyer? Hughes?) has been nicked up in a game in noticeable way this year.

What are the chances that at least 1 or 2 of these guys suffers a significant injury in any given game? Would it be 20%? 30%? I can't really see it being lower when you take into account injuries that might not knock a guy out of a game yet will diminish his ability to perform. 

That's an unacceptable risk when the benefit side of the equation is something like "a slight chance of hosting a later round playoff game if the Chiefs or Steelers lose early." That's why you sit key players. And it's even more important this year with the loss of the bye week for division champs.

 

 

Then why wouldn’t Beane just call it a day and sit the starters tonight as well?  We already have the division wrapped up and a home playoff game secured anyway.  The #2 seed is very important, and the starters should play as long as there is something at stake.

 

If there was absolutely nothing to gain, fine.  Rest all the starters.

 

Buffalo has worked to hard to lay down now and just settle for the 3 or 4 seed.  What message would folding now send to the players?  This take is hot garbage, IMO.

[Reks Ryan]

My thought is the Bills should go all out (play as usual) tonight, to wrap up the 3 seed at worst.   Then you make a decision which guys to rest in the last game, depending  on health, or pull guys early based on game situation.

 

Depending which match up, you prefer there is some luck involved.   Let's say you prefer not to play Ravens in round 1.  If Baltimore wins and Miami wins against Buffalo next week, then  Baltimore will stay in the 6th seed and play the 3 seed.   So then it comes down to CLE beating PIT to make the playoffs as 7 seed against the 2 see Bills.   There's also the scenario where both BAL and CLE lose and the Ravens back in as the 7th seed, and the Bills keep 2 seed and play them anyway. 

 

I also expect PIT to lose in the first round, which would give the Bills potential for 2nd home game even from the 3 seed.

 

 

[djp14150]

1 hour ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

If there was true home field advantage or a bye at stake I'd agree.  When your locked into a spot (like last year) or there is no real advantage at stake (like this year) I'd say the games hold little meaning outside our health.

 

im fine winning tonight, resting guys week 17 and being locked in at 2 or 3.  With no fans going on the road doesn’t matter in the playoffs.

 

peopleforget the nfl playoffs isn’t a bracket format...it’s best vs worst.

 

if buffalo wins tonight and rests week 17 and loses the playoffs will look lime

 

Miami at south winner

6/7 at 2/3

division round 

lowest seed at KC

buffalo vs Pitt or 2nd lowest seed

 

AlsoIf Pitt beats Cleveland they could be playing them or Indy the next week.  They might not want to do that.

 

Edited December 28, 2020 by djp14150

[The Frankish Reich]

9 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

 

Then why wouldn’t Beane just call it a day and sit the starters tonight as well?  We already have the division wrapped up and a home playoff game secured anyway.  The #2 seed is very important, and the starters should play as long as there is something at stake.

 

If there was absolutely nothing to gain, fine.  Rest all the starters.

 

Buffalo has worked to hard to lay down now and just settle for the 3 or 4 seed.  What message would folding now send to the players?  This take is hot garbage, IMO.

I dunno. We play Belichick tonight. Maybe someone should ask him whether resting his starters is the reason they failed to win a SB.

[Johnny Hammersticks]

8 minutes ago, The Frankish Reich said:

I dunno. We play Belichick tonight. Maybe someone should ask him whether resting his starters is the reason they failed to win a SB.

 

Give me an example of a year where Belichick rested his starters when there was seeding and potential home playoff games at stake.  Don’t worry...I’ll wait.

[Chandler#81]

Well, there’s this..🤷‍♂️

 

I gotcher Stones, Kay!

 

[ColoradoBills]

1 hour ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

I would 100% rather play on the road than at home with an injured star.  Especially this year.

 

You are talking from a fans perspective.

Every player on the Bills roster wants to have time on the field tonight to win THIS game.

Even if McDermott wanted to sit the starters he knows he can't.  The players would not like that at all.

 

Next week is a different story and will be evaluated when it comes.

[ProcessAccepted]

1 hour ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

If there was true home field advantage or a bye at stake I'd agree.  When your locked into a spot (like last year) or there is no real advantage at stake (like this year) I'd say the games hold little meaning outside our health.

January weather in Buffalo is still home field advantage. Not having to travel is home field advantage. Agreed the lack of a stadium filled with fans lessens things but playing in your stadium in your weather helps the home team. Just look how Tennessee faired in Green Bay last night.

[jaybee]

We can lock in 2nd overall seed (additional home game)  and maybe beat the team that has absolutely owned us for 2 decades.  I dont call that meaningless, nor do the players, coaches or owners.  GO BILLS !!

[RyanC883]

1 hour ago, SCBills said:

I think, in terms of winning a Super Bowl, tonight is important. 

 

Most likely, anyone coming out of the AFC has to face KC at some point, but you don't want to face them in the Second Round, coming off a bye week.

 

As far as next week goes, I have no clue how McDermott will handle it.  If we think Steelers are laying down, I'm sure we will also.  If not, who knows how much value McD puts on guaranteed home field until the AFCCG and avoiding the perceived tougher WC team in Baltimore.

 

I’d almost rather face KC off a bye.  perhaps somewhat rusty, esp on D. 

22 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

 

Give me an example of a year where Belichick rested his starters when there was seeding and potential home playoff games at stake.  Don’t worry...I’ll wait.

 

dude got extremely lucky that looking at Brady wrong was a penalty. playing with fire there.  plus, Allen likes to hold it longer. I’m not risking the playoffs in week 17 for seeding without an accompanying bye. 

[PrimeTime101]

The advantage of being in this position, already in the playoffs is it takes the pressure off the team in general. Do they want to win every game? of course.. Does this game mean something? absolutely... But there is less pressure cause no matter what happens.. .

a. your not getting a bye

b. you still have to beat teams to get to the conference game.

 

Do they want it at home? again.. absolutely but they not going through same stress as other teams are having to win out. 

 

Meaningless? noooo... lol 

Less Stressful? mmhm

 

I would say a team like the Steelers who has been through a struggle last few weeks have way more pressure on them then us. Just saying.

Edited December 28, 2020 by PrimeTime101

[Johnny Hammersticks]

 

For those of you who are wondering...

[The Frankish Reich]

58 minutes ago, Johnny Hammersticks said:

 

Give me an example of a year where Belichick rested his starters when there was seeding and potential home playoff games at stake.  Don’t worry...I’ll wait.

1. Home field isn't the advantage it was when fans were in the stands. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/11/11/home-field-advantage-is-lie/

 

2. If we were playing for a bye, sure. Because that's the week off that is so valuable, which is kind of the whole point here. But we're not.

 

3. Of course we'll see what's at stake in Week 17 after tonight. But unless there's a tangible benefit to winning, the value of resting key starters and avoiding injury almost certainly outweighs winning the game.

 

You mentioned something intangible like "what it would say to the players." I don't know what to make of that. My point is that there is no evidence, not even anecdotal, that any team has reacted poorly to resting its starters ahead of the playoffs. If there's a message being sent by resting starters wouldn't it be "we're good enough to beat anyone with our regulars, so why risk playing them in week 17?" How that could be demoralizing is beyond me.

[Beast]

2 hours ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

 

I would 100% rather play on the road than at home with an injured star.  Especially this year.

Hopefully the Bills won't feel the way you do. If the Bills lose a close second round game on the road because they shut things down, McDermott should deservedly feel a whole lot of heat.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

3 hours ago, Bills fan since 87 said:

What a strange and wonderful feeling to have again!  Both this year, and to an extent last years as our WC spot was locked up a couple weeks before the season ended.

 

I recall late season games from my highschool days when the Bills won 4 straight AFC championships (that's how I prefer to remember it) that didnt matter in the standings.

 

I remember them not being boring but relaxing before the anxiety would get turned all the way up before the playoffs.

 

They were fun games because you could see the backups try to thwart other teams playoff chances to shine in their opportunities.  All the while knowing we were about to go play in the Superbowl tournament regardless of what happened.

 

The only stress is injuries but with the backups in that's even minimal.   

As far as I'm concerned pull the starters at the half tonight and let's enjoy some stress free football the next 2 weeks.   Go Bills!

 

They lost those four SuperBowls.  Maybe they should have played to win those games.

I know that is facetious. 

 

There is no right answer.  If you play to win and someone gets injured then it was the wrong decision.  If you rest everyone and lose the first game it was the wrong decision.  In general I used to believe you rest people.  The more I manage people, I do think there is a real issue of dialing down and turning up the intensity and disrupting the normal routine.  

[Casey D]

1 hour ago, jaybee said:

We can lock in 2nd overall seed (additional home game)  and maybe beat the team that has absolutely owned us for 2 decades.  I dont call that meaningless, nor do the players, coaches or owners.  GO BILLS !!

No.  Win tonight locks in 3rd seed. Next week we have to match whatever the Steelers do to get the second seed.  Bills will not rest anyone tonight.  If they win, the issue next week is rest v. 2nd or 3rd seed.  If Pittsburgh is competing with us for the 2 seed next week, I'm not sure risking injury to get a home playoff game against Pitt v. on the road against Pitt is worth it (assuming Pitt wins in the first playoff round, and so too the Bills).  That will be the main issue.  Not tonight.

Edited December 28, 2020 by Casey D