The Cincinnati Bengals are going to be screwed.
The Bengals are officially AFC North champs for the second consecutive year, a first in franchise history. That is the good news.
The bad news is that with the new resolution, the Bengals could win the AFC North but not host a playoff game due to a coin toss. With the NFL ruling the postponed Bills vs. Bengals game a no-contest, the Bengals secure the AFC North title. That usually guarantees home-field advantage. If the Bengals lose to the Ravens in Week 18, that would mean a coin toss for which team gets to host the wild card playoff game if they meet again.
The Bengals Twitter account was not happy about this news as they gave a snarky reply to it on the social media site.
“Anyways…bring on the Ravens.”
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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport would further explain how the Bengals would be the AFC North champs, but won’t have any benefits from it because of the canceled game.
“Cincy will be the AFC North champion, but won’t have the benefits of being the champ (with a home playoff game), but will have a harder schedule next year, and potentially a later draft pick. It’s not perfect, assume they are not pleased. Alas.”
In the meantime, Roger Goodell will determine the neutral site for the AFC Championship Game, if one is required.
