With an unprecedented event on Monday night, the NFL was led to render the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals a no-contest.
After declaring this no-contest, there were obvious ramifications to the competitive balance of the league, particularly in the AFC.
Here is the full statement from the league.
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
One of the most notable points in this memo from the league is a neutral site AFC Championship Game.
In a typical season, the AFC Championship is played at the higher seed’s stadium, which, due to the no-contest of the Bills and Bengals, may not be the case this season.
If the AFC Championship Game is between the Bills and the Chiefs, the game will be played at a neutral site.
If there is any other scenario, however, that team will likely host an AFC Championship at their home stadium.
Having each team play 17 regular season games has become a daunting task to start any season, and has culminated in great football, and the league has more parity now than it has in recent memory.
It’s only fitting that such a drama-filled season in NFL history will also result in a crazy finish, especially in the AFC.
The AFC has been the more competitive conference this season, with many teams that are considered juggernauts across the league.
The playoffs will show which teams have weathered the storm of a 17-game season.
NEXT: The Bills Appear Ready To Get Back On The Field