Rich Stadium Original Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Your team is already guaranteed a playoff spot, but your team is VERY banged up. When you play the Bills Sunday night do you: A.) Push all your walking wounded to play in the hopes of retaining division title and #2 seed. Reward is maybe two or more home playoff games..where your record has been pretty good this year Risk is if you win against the Bills you may play a home game, but then bumped off in the first round because your team is even more tired, and no chance to let injuries heal..more players out when it counts the most. Added bonus is it may be elimination game for Bills, but may not know if that's the case until kickoff. B.) You rest your starters and give them a chance to heal..thus increasing your chances of winning that first playoff game...even if it's on the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prospector Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 They should rest everyone. Makes the most sense in a non-biased opinion 🤥 2 1 17 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SageAgainstTheMachine Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 We’ll get their best effort, from any of their players who can go. You don’t surrender the division on the eve of the playoffs and then confidently face your team as a leader the next day. 9 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddaryl Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 (edited) You got to go for the 2nd seed and homefield games. Anything else is a losers mentality IMO.... Anything can happen so you have to put your best team on the field. Edited January 3 by ddaryl 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFunPolice Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Dolphins will go all out, as they should. #2 seed is huge. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WNYFAN1 Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 What if by game time the Bills are guaranteed a playoff spot? Then you could be asking yourself this same question about Buffalo. 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 The bigger question should be. your the bills management: by kickoff you are already confirmed you will be in the playoffs as every perfect scenario has happened. You are locked into the 6th or 7th seed. Do you play Miami with everything you’ve got for the 2 seed? Or do you give your players some rest and prepare for the following week. Most likely again in Miami? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 They want to win the division. They know they have no shot in the playoffs going on the road into crappy weather. The home field would be huge for them 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Just now, TheFunPolice said: Dolphins will go all out, as they should. #2 seed is huge. Dolphins could be looking at a scenario where if they end up #2, they have the Bills coming right back to Miami and have to beat them 2 weeks in a row versus they lose and end up playing the Jags or Chiefs who look like far easier match ups at this point. Not saying they'll WANT to lose. But I could see them resting guys, losing, and then making a deeper playoff run. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 3 minutes ago, ddaryl said: You got to go for the 2nd seed and homefield games. Anything else is a losers mentality IMO.... Anything can happen so you have to put your best team on the field. Oddly this makes me completely uneasy in my scenario. And would be worried that McClappy would rest his players once the 2nd half hits. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenorthremembers Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 If I am McDaniel I pull my sweatpants up and do whatever I have to do to win. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2o Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 They will risk it for the biscuit that is the #2 seed and AFC East crown. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 They will go all out to win the division and get the #2 seed. But if the Bills get off to a good start and they have control of the game like the Ravens did to them last week then you will see starters pulled very quickly is my guess. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strive_for_five_guy Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Don’t even show up at the stadium. It’s going to be ugly for them whether they’re trying or not 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low Positive Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 McDaniel left his best pass rusher out there in the 4th quarter of a blow-out loss, only to lose him for the season. He's like a kid playing with toy soldiers. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stlbills13 Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 I do think if you have a guy who is questionable and who can significantly re-aggravate an injury, you have him sit out. But other than that, you are playing your best guys unless the game gets out of hand. The bigger thing would be if they hold anything back offensively/defensively to save new wrinkles in the playbook for the playoffs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnNord Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 (edited) If anyone heard the Mike Vrabel interview this week - it’s clear that coaches and players don’t see things the way fans do. Miami and McD want that AFCE Divisional title. To your point, I don’t see Miami rushing back a Jaylen Waddle like they might have if Sunday were a playoff game. But I also think they’ll have Mostert give it a go, rather than resting him. Also, I don’t think Miami believes they can win 3 in a row on against winning teams on the road. They don’t believe they can win outside of Miami Gardens, which is odd considering the home advantage isn’t that good Let’s be honest too… there’s no guarantee the Bills win. Miami would win the AFCE, give some key players rest, and get 2 home games as the 2 seed. Edited January 3 by JohnNord 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshAllin Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 4 minutes ago, WNYFAN1 said: What if by game time the Bills are guaranteed a playoff spot? Then you could be asking yourself this same question about Buffalo. Dolphins are banged up compared to the bills right now. Phins opponents (KC most likely) are probably resting starters as well. They're screwed if they do and screwed if they dont Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnNord Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 1 minute ago, Low Positive said: McDaniel left his best pass rusher out there in the 4th quarter of a blow-out loss, only to lose him for the season. He's like a kid playing with toy soldiers. To be fair, a lot of coaches would do the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teef Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 if players are healthy and ready to go, they'll play. unless there's absolutely nothing to play for, everyone plays. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 13 minutes ago, Rich Stadium Original said: Your team is already guaranteed a playoff spot, but your team is VERY banged up. When you play the Bills Sunday night do you: A.) Push all your walking wounded to play in the hopes of retaining division title and #2 seed. Reward is maybe two or more home playoff games..where your record has been pretty good this year Risk is if you win against the Bills you may play a home game, but then bumped off in the first round because your team is even more tired, and no chance to let injuries heal..more players out when it counts the most. Added bonus is it may be elimination game for Bills, but may not know if that's the case until kickoff. B.) You rest your starters and give them a chance to heal..thus increasing your chances of winning that first playoff game...even if it's on the road. The Phins are 7-1 at home and 4-4 on the road. Their offense is much better at home because of better presnap communication. Huge difference versus playoff crowd noise away. If they win then they’ll be set up for two home playoff games. I’m sure they will play to win this one. I certainly would. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 7 minutes ago, thenorthremembers said: If I am McDaniel I pull my sweatpants up and do whatever I have to do to win. They’re called Capris and they’re IN 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 I extend Tua, 232 million, fully guaranteed 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Just now, Bogie_Klinkhammer said: I extend Tua, 232 million, fully guaranteed and trade Hill to the Bills. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan in Cleveland Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 This is simple and not so simple The #2 seed is worth going all out. That said if Tua or Josh are really nursing injuries and the playoff spot is locked up you can make an argument ( a weak one) for resting them. Again the #2 seed is just home games not a bye week so it's not as valuable as before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uninja Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 12 minutes ago, mrags said: The bigger question should be. your the bills management: by kickoff you are already confirmed you will be in the playoffs as every perfect scenario has happened. You are locked into the 6th or 7th seed. Do you play Miami with everything you’ve got for the 2 seed? Or do you give your players some rest and prepare for the following week. Most likely again in Miami? You play your best effort, having a home crowd for the playoffs is a big deal. It also sets a precedent that you always play to win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Just now, Ethan in Cleveland said: This is simple and not so simple The #2 seed is worth going all out. That said if Tua or Josh are really nursing injuries and the playoff spot is locked up you can make an argument ( a weak one) for resting them. Again the #2 seed is just home games not a bye week so it's not as valuable as before. They are not good on the road though. That has to factor in - a 2 seed could potentially play 3 home games on the way to a super bowl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Just now, uninja said: You play your best effort, having a home crowd for the playoffs is a big deal. It also sets a precedent that you always play to win. Yup. I agree. If it’s me that’s what I’m doing. Let’s hope this coaching staff feels the same way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low Positive Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 1 minute ago, Ethan in Cleveland said: This is simple and not so simple The #2 seed is worth going all out. That said if Tua or Josh are really nursing injuries and the playoff spot is locked up you can make an argument ( a weak one) for resting them. Again the #2 seed is just home games not a bye week so it's not as valuable as before. As I posted in another thread, only 8 wildcard teams have won the SB since 1980. Winning three straight road games is a tough ask, especially for the Fins who would probably have to go to Arrowhead in the cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generic_Bills_Fan Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 (edited) 14 minutes ago, BarleyNY said: The Phins are 7-1 at home and 4-4 on the road. Their offense is much better at home because of better presnap communication. Huge difference versus playoff crowd noise away. If they win then they’ll be set up for two home playoff games. I’m sure they will play to win this one. I certainly would. Theres def truth to that but I think some of it is home opponents too…broncos (when they were an absolute mess), giants, panthers, raiders,titans,jets,pats might be the easiest first 7 home games a team has ever gotten in history 😂. Those teams went a combined 29-67 Oops forgot the cowboys…still though pretty crazy schedule Edited January 3 by Generic_Bills_Fan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Only someone with a losers mentality would consider the OP’s non-competitive idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Hindsight Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 4 minutes ago, Beast said: Only someone with a losers mentality would consider the OP’s non-competitive idea. Yup, its one thing to be locked into a slot. Cleveland, Baltimore, SF could rest guys and it would make sense. Everyone else plays to win 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 3 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said: This is simple and not so simple The #2 seed is worth going all out. That said if Tua or Josh are really nursing injuries and the playoff spot is locked up you can make an argument ( a weak one) for resting them. Again the #2 seed is just home games not a bye week so it's not as valuable as before. Both the Bills and Dolphins are/went 7-1 at home this year. I don't count the "home" game in London vs Jacksonville. Plus, McDermott is 0-4 (JAC, HOU, KC X 2) on the road in the playoffs. Playing in Orchard Park is a huge deal for the Bills. Miami feels the same way about playing at home as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dablitzkrieg Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 The Dophins suck 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Generic_Bills_Fan Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 4 minutes ago, Beast said: Only someone with a losers mentality would consider the OP’s non-competitive idea. They’ll absolutely try to win but they are 1-2 injuries away from being completely non competitive in the playoffs so i don’t think they’re gonna rush guys back to play that are 50/50 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LABILLBACKER Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 (edited) They'll do what the Lakers do. If they get down big halfway thru the 3rd they'll pull all the starters. Edited January 3 by LABILLBACKER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Since1981 Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 McDaniel will play harder if we are mathematically IN as both teams equal ambition for seed. He won’t play hard if Bills NEED the game. In other words, he will back off fast if we NEED the game and just 10 ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnCoke11 Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Why is this even a question? Go for the 2 seed. Especially the Dolphins. They need home field Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 (edited) The Dolphins will in hindsight make the wrong decision, mark my words, Edited January 3 by Don Otreply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wjag Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Play to win. I would not like to enter the playoffs on a losing streak. That would be two in a row for them and a road game to follow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.