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In the aftermath of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s collapse in Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals and subsequent hospitalization, the NFL’s focus has understandably been on his care and recovery even as the playoffs draw inexorably closer.
And while Hamlin’s health is paramount, at some point decisions must be made regarding the schedule – specifically as it pertains to the uncompleted Bills-Bengals contest. The league announced Tuesday that the „game will not be resumed this week,“ but stopped short of canceling it while also signaling Week 18’s schedule would move forward as planned.
During a conference call Wednesday, NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said discussions regarding the Bills-Bengals game were ongoing, but that a decision regarding its fate would be revealed „in the coming days“ as the teams, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and others weigh options.
THE LATEST ON DAMAR HAMLIN:Updates on Bills player’s health
EFFECTS OF TRAUMA:Nothing has prepared the Bills, NFL for trauma that lingers from Damar Hamlin’s collapse
WHAT BENGALS COACH SAID:Zac Taylor opens up on conversation with Bills after Damar Hamlin’s collapse
Among the considerations:
Monday’s showdown between AFC East champion Buffalo and playoff-bound Cincinnati was expected to be a potential game of the year simply based on the quality of the teams, both legitimate Super Bowl 57 contenders led by superstar quarterbacks Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. In the 53 seasons „Monday Night Football“ has been on the air, this matchup was only the third in the history of the series featuring two teams with at least 11 wins.
But also at stake?
► A Bills win would have given them the inside track to the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed – and the first-round bye and home-field advantage that come with it. A Week 18 victory over the New England Patriots would have clinched the conference’s regular-season throne for Buffalo.
► A Bengals win would have given them the AFC North crown – and the home playoff game that comes with that – while putting Cincinnati squarely in the mix for the No. 1 seed thanks to a Week 13 defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and can unequivocally wrap up the AFC North with a win.
