What should the NFL do about Week 18? Move it back one week?

[NeedChapmans]

Originally Posted by TSonn

I agree but the league can't make a decision based on an indefinite time frame which is why someone will have to make a guess when the socially appropriate amount of time has passed to make the Bills/Cincy make a decision on the game (or make the decision for them).

Not indefinite, but there has to be some kind of update to Hamlin's current status before anything else happens. That comes first and based on that information, you can then move forward.

And that should/will come today.

[captionwanker]

Originally Posted by TSonn

I don't see those things as being too big of a hurdle to overcome - especially with an unprecedented event like this.

I wonder who made the call for the Bills to fly home? Seems like the league would have a lot more options if they found them housing in Cincy for the night.

There was no way they could find a hotel at the last minute for 150 plus people. The plane was already scheduled, it was just easier that way.

If the game is rescheduled, Buffalo can fly in the morning and play at night. Its happen before during the covid years.

[BonVoyage]

Seems like the NFL would have to make a call by tonight, right? Either play Wed, play Thurs, cancel, or forfeit. I don't think the logistics would be a hurdle to any of those.

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by TSonn

I don't see those things as being too big of a hurdle to overcome - especially with an unprecedented event like this.

I wonder who made the call for the Bills to fly home? Seems like the league would have a lot more options if they found them housing in Cincy for the night.

Regardless, it takes 2 days.... 1 day for planning/travel, 1 day for the game to be played.

If the decision was made right now that means it's a Wednesday night game. If they can't make the decision tomorrow, that means it's off the table for this week.

[JRX]

I would think they end up cancelling the game and they end up playing 16 games instead of 17. No way they're going to make a team forfeit over a situation like this.

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by JRX

I would think they end up cancelling the game and they end up playing 16 games instead of 17. No way they're going to make a team forfeit over a situation like this.

Then it's essentially a tie.

In the context of playoff seeding, that makes it essentially a loss for Buffalo in the race against KC for the 1 seed, and a win for Cincinnati in the divisional race vs the Ravens.

Tricky situation

[JeremyNick]

Originally Posted by JRX

I would think they end up cancelling the game and they end up playing 16 games instead of 17. No way they're going to make a team forfeit over a situation like this.

This is what I think.

If the teams really want to play you can do a Wed/Monday game time for them. Otherwise chalk this game up as an unprecedented tragedy and move on with the schedule.

There is only so much you can do with this timeframe and it honestly might be best for the teams to mentally move on to the next week and not try and revisit this game.

[Gthompson1978]

I don’t think the game will be cancelled, to many playoff implications as far as seeding goes. I do believe the game will be played unless Buffalo forfeits, I don’t see that happening either. The NFL is big business, while this is unprecedented, the game(s) will go on.

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by JRX

I would think they end up cancelling the game and they end up playing 16 games instead of 17. No way they're going to make a team forfeit over a situation like this.

Assuming wins in week 18, that would make...

Bills: 13-3, .812
Chiefs: 14-3, .823

That doesn't seem like a fair deal for the Bills.

I think Goodell gives the teams an option to play Wednesday or Thursday and if either says no - they get an L. If they both say no, they get a tie. If they both say yes, the start the game exactly from the moment it was postponed. The decision to take an L or a tie has to come from the teams but Goodell has to force them to make that decision.

[gmarutiak]

With all of the online gambling and fantasy football championship games hanging in the balance, I wonder how many tens (hundreds?) of millions of dollars are riding on this game. The NFL is in bed with the gambling industry now, through their own doing. Because of that, I can't imagine this game doesn't get played.

[NeedChapmans]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Assuming wins in week 18, that would make...

Bills: 13-3, .812
Chiefs: 14-3, .823

That doesn't seem like a fair deal for the Bills.

I think Goodell gives the teams an option to play Wednesday or Thursday and if either says no - they get an L. If they both say no, they get a tie. If they both say yes, the start the game exactly from the moment it was postponed. The decision to take an L or a tie has to come from the teams but Goodell has to force them to make that decision.

I know this sounds good on paper; but we don't even know if this kind of thing can be agreed to based on the rules of in the CBA. I can't help but think other owners / teams would have a say as well considering how a tie would effect their chances at certain seeds.

Baltimore comes to mind because a handshake tie means they lose the division.

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by NeedChapmans

I know this sounds good on paper; but we don't even know if this kind of thing can be agreed to based on the rules of in the CBA. I can't help but think other owners / teams would have a say as well considering how a tie would effect their chances at certain seeds.

Baltimore comes to mind because a handshake tie means they lose the division.

Good point - I forgot CIN and BAL play week 18 and I though CIN already had the division wrapped up.

What a mess.

So basically ties really muck up the standings for multiple teams. Seems like they either have to play, forfeit (take an L), or act like BUF/CIN only played 16 games (which would essentially act like a tie for BUF/CIN but wouldn't negatively impact other teams).

[JeremyNick]

Remember with the NFL and teams optics is a big concern. So let’s say they decide to forego this game and cancel it altogether.

Do you think the Ravens will make a peep about losing the division because of it?

[NeedChapmans]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Good point - I forgot CIN and BAL play week 18 and I though CIN already had the division wrapped up.

What a mess.

So basically ties really muck up the standings for multiple teams. Seems like they either have to play, forfeit (take an L), or act like BUF/CIN only played 16 games (which would essentially act like a tie for BUF/CIN but wouldn't negatively impact other teams).

It still would. 11-5 Cincinnati wins the division over 11-6 Baltimore. No matter the scenario, Baltimore loses the division if the Cincinnati doesn't have a firm L from this game; which can't be given unless the game is played.

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Good point - I forgot CIN and BAL play week 18 and I though CIN already had the division wrapped up.

What a mess.

So basically ties really muck up the standings for multiple teams. Seems like they either have to play, forfeit (take an L), or act like BUF/CIN only played 16 games (which would essentially act like a tie for BUF/CIN but wouldn't negatively impact other teams).

It would negatively impact Baltimore.

It would also eliminate the Bengals from the 1 seed, and mean they don't control their own destiny for the 2 seed.

The Bills would lose control of the 1 seed.

[NeedChapmans]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

Remember with the NFL and teams optics is a big concern. So let’s say they decide to forego this game and cancel it altogether.

Do you think the Ravens will make a peep about losing the division because of it?

It also sets a precedent to cancel future games in situations where medical emergencies happen (in a game where they're likely to happen more often) and thus create unfair standings that can wipe out playoff births / divisions / etc.

Nobody wants that.

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

Remember with the NFL and teams optics is a big concern. So let’s say they decide to forego this game and cancel it altogether.

Do you think the Ravens will make a peep about losing the division because of it?

I think they let it slide.

Doesn't help their case that they are coming off a loss to the Steelers.

A thing you have to wonder about is how 2 teams having 1 less game impacts things like tiebreakers for the wildcard spot, or draft order.

I'm leaning towards the Bills ending up taking the 'L' here.

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by NeedChapmans

It still would. 11-5 Cincinnati wins the division over 11-6 Baltimore. No matter the scenario, Baltimore loses the division if the Cincinnati doesn't have a firm L from this game; which can't be given unless the game is played.

Ack, you're right. Gotta be W/L or L/L.

[oldgoldy97]

Whatever they do people will complain.

[NeedChapmans]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Ack, you're right. Gotta be W/L or L/L.

Yes. Or a played tie. Otherwise, another team gets screwed based on a "deal".

[rms13]

They have to play the game because it effects #1 seed. Bills and Bengals both have a chance at #1. I think they play this week as normal and then next week play just Bills-Bengals and then move to playoffs. Of course every team except loser of Bills-Bengals get a free bye week going into the playoffs in that scenario but it seems like the easiest answer

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[oldgoldy97]

Originally Posted by rms13

They have to play the game because it effects #1 seed. Bills and Bengals both have a chance at #1. I think they play this week as normal and then next week play just Bills-Bengals and then move to playoffs. Of course every team except loser of Bills-Bengals get a free bye week going into the playoffs in that scenario but it seems like the easiest answer

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This seems like the best choice.

[TSonn]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

Remember with the NFL and teams optics is a big concern. So let’s say they decide to forego this game and cancel it altogether.

Do you think the Ravens will make a peep about losing the division because of it?

I think they would. The situation is terrible but it's not like it's completely unexpected since football is a gruesome and physical sport.

[Selanne00008]

Originally Posted by TSonn

Good point - I forgot CIN and BAL play week 18 and I though CIN already had the division wrapped up.

What a mess.

So basically ties really muck up the standings for multiple teams. Seems like they either have to play, forfeit (take an L), or act like BUF/CIN only played 16 games (which would essentially act like a tie for BUF/CIN but wouldn't negatively impact other teams).

Yeah. A handshake tie is something Cinci would be in favor of. You get the division after playing half a quarter of football. On the other hand the Bills now lose out on controlling their destiny for the 1 seed. So from a competitive stand point Buffalo and Baltimore want this game played out for sure.

Gambling and fantasy football yeah, it’s a factor. Idk how much of one. It’s pretty insane that this happened on the most pivotal MNF game in recent history with 100 Million eye balls watching. What an impact on the NFL in general.

I still think if Hamlin ends up in stable condition by this evening they play the game Wed or Thursday. Bills and cinci games this weekend get bumped to Monday night.

If Hamlin status is unchanged, then play on week 18 games all as scheduled and the league considers Bills/Cinci wrapping this game up in week 19 while other wild card teams rest and wait the outcome.

I think a tie or 16 games played for these two teams is an absolute last resort.


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[JRX]

We still have no update on his condition. They're not going to force the Bills to play. This is going to be a deal between the PA and the league.