The NFL finally made its long-awaited decision on how Week 17’s canceled game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills would affect the AFC’s playoffs seeding, and Bengals star running back Joe Mixon is certainly not a fan of the decision.
The game was officially ruled a no-contest, and a number of scenarios were revealed by the NFL based on some outcomes in Week 18.
In a press release from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday night, he detailed how a number of things could change with a Baltimore Ravens win over the Bengals in Week 18.
Those changes include a scenario where the Bengals potentially would not host a playoff game if they face off with the Ravens, with a coin flip deciding who would host the matchup despite the Bengals having a higher winning percentage.
Week 17 Buffalo-Cincinnati game will not be resumed. Clubs to consider neutral site AFC Championship game.
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/NwqUwxlbzo
— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2023
Mixon is undoubtedly upset with this ruling and made his stance on the matter known on social media, posting the NFL’s typical policy for a canceled game on Twitter.
“So we not following the rules no more,” tweeted Mixon.
🤔So we not following the rules no more🐸☕️ pic.twitter.com/AreAM1xAsp
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) January 6, 2023
Joe Mixon and the Bengals certainly do have a fair gripe about the matter. A win over Buffalo in Week 17 would have given them a tiebreaker over both the Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs for the No.1 seed in the AFC.
They instead could be facing a road playoff game in Baltimore if there is a 3/4 majority who approve at Friday’s owners’ meetings to allow this ruling.
To be clear: All of the potential AFC playoff scenarios, coin flips, etc. we've been discussing were approved tonight by the NFL's competition committee. Tomorrow, all 32 owners will vote to approve. The proposals need a 3/4 majority to pass — 24 of 32 owners must approve.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 6, 2023
If any team were to have a gripe with the ultimate ruling by Goodell, it is undoubtedly the Bengals. That being said, the horrible injury to Bills safety Damar Hamlin is certainly an unprecedented situation, making it a very difficult decision for the league.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.