Unpopular playoff opinion-next year

[BillsFooteball]

First off Merry Christmas bills fans! 
I wanted to throw out a scenario that I’m hopeful for but don’t believe will be popular take and would love to get some feedback. 

 

First most important I just want bills to get in playoffs. This year more than ever has taken a toll on me. Jets, patriots, broncos, and eagles losses particular were heartbreaking. Give me even one of those wins and we likely are not even having this conversation. I would be all about the 1 seed. For now though  Bills making the playoffs and having an opportunity to go on a run is priority #1. 

 

Now where we may  disagree:

I don’t care about the division this year. In a perfect world to me bills beat the patriots. We have 2 probable games go our way chiefs beating bengals and Seahawks beating Steelers. Playoffs are clinched! 

 

Following week I would be in full support of treating Miami as a bye week. Rest up,

get healthy and let’s go on a run. No risk of any other significant injury. Bills are as good as anyone in AFC this year. They aren’t getting a 1 seed. I don’t care if it’s wildcard or afc championship to make Super Bowl they will likely have to go KC and Baltimore and win which they can do. 

 

Lastly looking wayyyy ahead to next year. I know anything can happen and it’s sometime when you play a team not who you play. But Miami wins division this year. Next year for the uncommon opponents they get the chiefs, ravens  and lions. Bills get broncos, browns and Vikings. Trust me I’m 1000% overly focused and all in this year but to me that’s significant in another competitive year. 

 

 

 

 

 

[peterpan]

Honestly teams that get byes usually come out flat. The bills lost guys like Milano and white early but I don’t feel like we are too banged up right now. 
 

im curious what scenario is there where, we would play Miami in back to back weeks.  In that case I think it would be prudent to save some of the playbook and set them up for failure the following week 

Edited December 25, 2023 by peterpan

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

We still have a solid chance at playing two home games to start the playoffs. That’s what to root for.

[frostbitmic]

I'm still hoping the Bills win out, the Ravens do us a favor and beat the Dolphins next week, and the division crown and home playoff game goes to Buffalo.

[LEBills]

If the Dolphins beat the Ravens and clinch the East and the Bengals and Steelers lose (or some other clinching combinations), I’ve been thinking the same thing. Let the team take the week off and play backups in Miami. The Bye week did wonders for this team.

 

I think we probably still have a reason to be playing tho to clinch or for seeding

[HardyBoy]

12 minutes ago, BillsFooteball said:

First off Merry Christmas bills fans! 
I wanted to throw out a scenario that I’m hopeful for but don’t believe will be popular take and would love to get some feedback. 

 

First most important I just want bills to get in playoffs. This year more than ever has taken a toll on me. Jets, patriots, broncos, and eagles losses particular were heartbreaking. Give me even one of those wins and we likely are not even having this conversation. I would be all about the 1 seed. For now though  Bills making the playoffs and having an opportunity to go on a run is priority #1. 

 

Now where we may  disagree:

I don’t care about the division this year. In a perfect world to me bills beat the patriots. We have 2 probable games go our way chiefs beating bengals and Seahawks beating Steelers. Playoffs are clinched! 

 

Following week I would be in full support of treating Miami as a bye week. Rest up,

get healthy and let’s go on a run. No risk of any other significant injury. Bills are as good as anyone in AFC this year. They aren’t getting a 1 seed. I don’t care if it’s wildcard or afc championship to make Super Bowl they will likely have to go KC and Baltimore and win which they can do. 

 

Lastly looking wayyyy ahead to next year. I know anything can happen and it’s sometime when you play a team not who you play. But Miami wins division this year. Next year for the uncommon opponents they get the chiefs, ravens  and lions. Bills get broncos, browns and Vikings. Trust me I’m 1000% overly focused and all in this year but to me that’s significant in another competitive year. 

 

 

 

 

 

I think a lot matters if the Dolphins beat the Ravens. Assuming the Dolphins win, Bills win and the Bills get a playoff spot because other stuff happens, I still don’t see a situation where Allen ends his game streak to rest, which means you have the oline starting.

 

Dolphins could be wild card opponent too, so not sure if that changes things, but you might try and set up plays for the following week?

[mrags]

I think if they already have it clinched going into the dolphins game. There’s a chance they start the starters but pull them mid Game. Especially if things are getting out of hand in either direction. 
 

but I will say this. I am hoping for a home playoff game. If for nothing else, then to sell my playoff tix for a brinks truck full of cash. 

[Process]

If dolphins and browns win and we clinch playoffs, I think they should rest guys. 

 

If 5 seed is in play you have to go for it. Getting to play the afcs is too valuable.

[NastyNateSoldiers]

29 minutes ago, BillsFooteball said:

First off Merry Christmas bills fans! 
I wanted to throw out a scenario that I’m hopeful for but don’t believe will be popular take and would love to get some feedback. 

 

First most important I just want bills to get in playoffs. This year more than ever has taken a toll on me. Jets, patriots, broncos, and eagles losses particular were heartbreaking. Give me even one of those wins and we likely are not even having this conversation. I would be all about the 1 seed. For now though  Bills making the playoffs and having an opportunity to go on a run is priority #1. 

 

Now where we may  disagree:

I don’t care about the division this year. In a perfect world to me bills beat the patriots. We have 2 probable games go our way chiefs beating bengals and Seahawks beating Steelers. Playoffs are clinched! 

 

Following week I would be in full support of treating Miami as a bye week. Rest up,

get healthy and let’s go on a run. No risk of any other significant injury. Bills are as good as anyone in AFC this year. They aren’t getting a 1 seed. I don’t care if it’s wildcard or afc championship to make Super Bowl they will likely have to go KC and Baltimore and win which they can do. 

 

Lastly looking wayyyy ahead to next year. I know anything can happen and it’s sometime when you play a team not who you play. But Miami wins division this year. Next year for the uncommon opponents they get the chiefs, ravens  and lions. Bills get broncos, browns and Vikings. Trust me I’m 1000% overly focused and all in this year but to me that’s significant in another competitive year. 

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely why kill ourselves for a home game just rest up and get focused for the playoffs . Now if the #2 seed is available that’s 2 home games and we can’t bypass that. But then again the Bills had a late bye this season maybe we don’t need the extra rest maybe we need to play and stay sharp . At the end of the day the Bills won’t rest anyone the last week if the division is at stake because that’s bad for business . 

[Big Blitz]

If we don’t win the division the playoff run could be:

 

at KC

 

at Miami

 

at Baltimore 

 

 

That’s not optimal.  
 

 

Getting a home game and assuming Baltimore is the 1 seed would look something like this:

 

vs likely 6 seed - I’d guess that’s Cleveland; Miami would be the 5 and play AFC South winner; Miami would then be at Baltimore RD 2

at KC; maybe home if the 7 beats KC 

AFCCG could be at Baltimore or home vs Miami

 

Who the 7 seed will be I have no idea but they usually don’t beat the 2 seed.  

Edited December 25, 2023 by Big Blitz

[gonzo1105]

It’s a really weird year in the AFC where basically the whole conference is bunched. 
 

I feel like this every year where the Bills are good enough to win it all but have a tendency to squander games they shouldn’t putting them at a disadvantage in the playoffs. Hopefully they stay hot and get on a run. I’d prefer a team like Indianapolis in round 1 but it’s highly likely we will be against a team like Miami, Baltimore or KC in round 1

[Warcodered]

Getting in is obviously the most important thing, but if you can get a home game ***** get it.

[BuffaloBillyG]

Throw out the London "home" game and the Bills are 6-1 at home this year with only the "12 men on the field" chaos as the only loss.

 

The Dolphins are 7-1 at home. Ravens 5-2. Browns 7-1. Oddly for the reputation of being a hard place to win, the Chief are 4-3 at home. In the NFC Dallas is 7-0. Both San Fran and Philly are 5-1 with the Lions checking in at 5-2. Pretty compelling story for wanting home playoff games this year. It's hard enough to beat good teams in the NFL. Beating them at their house is even tougher.

 

Now, I do believe if they play with the fire and attitude they had in the Cowboys game they can beat any team home or away. But let's the games are in Orchard Park. We do make a difference.

[PBF81]

1 hour ago, BillsFooteball said:

Bills are as good as anyone in AFC this year.

 

Yes they are, from a player perspective, particularly on offense. 

 

The TBD $100,000 question is whether or not coaching is up to the task.  Generally speaking the AFC playoff teams have good coaches at the division championship level anyway.  

 

 

[Heavy Kevi]

If you can get the div this year you get the div.

 

Burn the boats and go all in for it 

 

But if fins win the div, next year's sched will be a consolation prize.

 

Lombardi this year and next year's sched could be all London games idc!

[KHAN]

Home playoff games are important. If you're playing for that, you go 100.

[djp14150]

1 hour ago, peterpan said:

Honestly teams that get byes usually come out flat. The bills lost guys like Milano and white early but I don’t feel like we are too banged up right now. 
 

im curious what scenario is there where, we would play Miami in back to back weeks.  In that case I think it would be prudent to save some of the playbook and set them up for failure the following week 

 

If Miami L next week and  bills W….…Bills win the game for division and KC doesn’t L then BUF is #3 and MIA could be #6 ( lose ties with browns).

 

IF MIA W next week, but L to BUF…MIA could be #2 and if , KC lose 1, Bills L to NE then they could be #7 in WC. IF BUF WW, and KC W out, BAL W week 18 for bye, then MIA is seed #3 and BUF by WW could be #6 if CLE WW

IF MIA L and Bills L…MIA gets division…then you have scenarios where BUF must W bringing A game, around mia being 2/3 and BUF bring 6/7 causing a rematch.

 

 

 

 

Next year in 2nd place BUF host DEN/LV, at CLE/BAL, at MIN/GB ( there is a scenario where CHI in 2nd but that involves a T of GB/MIN next week)

 

win div its KC ( magic number is 1 for clinch division) ,  at CLE/BAL, at DET

 

[juno999]

I'll truly be surprised if the Fish beat the Ravens in Baltimore.  So the Bills will be all in against the Fish week 18.  If there's nothing to play for week 18, they'll play many of their backups and give some starters a lighter snap count.

[Mr. WEO]

2 hours ago, peterpan said:

Honestly teams that get byes usually come out flat. The bills lost guys like Milano and white early but I don’t feel like we are too banged up right now. 
 

im curious what scenario is there where, we would play Miami in back to back weeks.  In that case I think it would be prudent to save some of the playbook and set them up for failure the following week 

 

agree 100%.  Dungy would always do this.  

[No_Matter_What]

2 hours ago, BillsFooteball said:

First off Merry Christmas bills fans! 
I wanted to throw out a scenario that I’m hopeful for but don’t believe will be popular take and would love to get some feedback. 

 

First most important I just want bills to get in playoffs. This year more than ever has taken a toll on me. Jets, patriots, broncos, and eagles losses particular were heartbreaking. Give me even one of those wins and we likely are not even having this conversation. I would be all about the 1 seed. For now though  Bills making the playoffs and having an opportunity to go on a run is priority #1. 

 

Now where we may  disagree:

I don’t care about the division this year. In a perfect world to me bills beat the patriots. We have 2 probable games go our way chiefs beating bengals and Seahawks beating Steelers. Playoffs are clinched! 

 

Following week I would be in full support of treating Miami as a bye week. Rest up,

get healthy and let’s go on a run. No risk of any other significant injury. Bills are as good as anyone in AFC this year. They aren’t getting a 1 seed. I don’t care if it’s wildcard or afc championship to make Super Bowl they will likely have to go KC and Baltimore and win which they can do. 

 

Lastly looking wayyyy ahead to next year. I know anything can happen and it’s sometime when you play a team not who you play. But Miami wins division this year. Next year for the uncommon opponents they get the chiefs, ravens  and lions. Bills get broncos, browns and Vikings. Trust me I’m 1000% overly focused and all in this year but to me that’s significant in another competitive year. 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting. After week 17 I'll tell you what I think. But I can imagine agreeing with this.