{"id":251431,"date":"2023-01-05T02:17:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T08:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/?p=251431"},"modified":"2023-01-05T12:20:12","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T18:20:12","slug":"nfl-could-decide-how-to-handle-buffalo-bills-cincinnati-bengals-game-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/nfl-could-decide-how-to-handle-buffalo-bills-cincinnati-bengals-game-today\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Could Reach Decision on Suspended Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals Game on Thursday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Update<\/strong>: The Buffalo Bills released an update on Hamlin’s condition Thursday afternoon. The team stated that, although he remains in critical condition, he is “neurologically intact.” In addition, he has shown “remarkable improvement” in his recovery and his lungs are healing. While his situation remains delicate, the news comes as a huge relief to his family and friends, as well as the entire NFL community.<\/p>\n

Earlier<\/strong>: The good news is that Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin reportedly continues to recover after going into cardiac arrest during the team\u2019s Monday Night Football <\/a><\/em>game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The decision to suspend the game that night in light of the medical emergency has led to confusion over what happens next to the season, and the league could provide an update on the game’s status on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\"Buffalo
Buffalo Bills players react after teammate Damar Hamlin suffered a life-threatening injury in the game between the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL suspended the game on Monday night, and could decide today how to conclude the season. (Image: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There has been significant speculation about how the NFL might handle the situation. The game had serious implications for the teams\u2019 standings, and calling it off can change the entire dynamic of the postseason.<\/p>\n

Different NFL analysts and insiders have provided their insight into how the league might move forward. Based on the most recent chatter, it\u2019s possible Commissioner Roger Goodell could announce a decision sometime Thursday.<\/p>\n

Hamlin Still Progressing<\/h2>\n

Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making what seemed like a routine hit during the game. Reports later indicated that medical personnel brought him back to life on the field before an ambulance took him to a local hospital.<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old was still in intensive care and breathing with the help of a ventilator on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Bills<\/a>, but is showing \u201csigns of improvement.\u201d He will remain in ICU as doctors and nurses continue to guide his recovery.<\/p>\n

\n

As the NFL world closely follows his progress, the league\u2019s games have to move forward. Because so much was riding on the outcome of that Bills-Bengals contest, making a call on what to do next isn\u2019t easy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Goodell has full autonomy to make the determination, although he won\u2019t likely do so without input from NFL and team officials. With a set of games taking place this Saturday and Sunday, time is running out for an announcement to be made.<\/p>\n

The NFL Network\u2019s<\/em> Ian Rappaport believes there are three likely scenarios. The first two would be to call the game a tie or a no-contest. Neither is ideal for creating the postseason standings.<\/p>\n

The third option would be a Week 19 for the Bills and Bengals to play. This would imply eliminating the bye between the AFC and NFC championship games and the Super Bowl. This option is the one that would allow the season to most closely resemble its path before Hamlin\u2019s accident.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That would also force other changes. The Pro Bowl is currently scheduled for February 5, a week before the Super Bowl. That period also coincides with media week and other events, all of which would have to shift. It also could force the postseason, scheduled to begin on January 14, to change.<\/p>\n

Cancel Week 18<\/h2>\n

Ryan Leaf, a former \u2013 and controversial \u2013 NFL quarterback, believes the best option is to cancel Week 18. He tweeted on Wednesday that it\u2019s the only way the NFL can show that it \u201ctruly cares\u201d about the health of players.<\/p>\n

The gridiron gurus behind “Pro Football Talk” think they have an inside track on what\u2019s going to happen when the NFL makes its announcement. They tweeted Wednesday night that the game might not take place at all. Instead, the seeding for the AFC playoff lineup could fall in line with the conference teams\u2019 winning percentages after Week 18.<\/p>\n

\n

Momentum is currently pointing toward Bills-Bengals not being resumed, with AFC playoff seeding based on winning percentage following the outcome of the Week 18 games.<\/p>\n

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 5, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n