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NFL Playoff Picture: AFC Playoff Impact After Bills vs. Bengals Cancelled

<p>AP Photos</p>

AP Photos

The world watches with hopeful hearts and bated breath as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains in critical condition after going into life-threatening cardiac arrest during Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fortunately, he can now communicate and continues to make significant progress.

Although Hamlin’s health is what ultimately matters most, the whirlwind of negativity and confusion surrounding the unprecedented incident and the NFL’s subsequent decision not to resume the Bills/Bengals game sweeps the betting landscape.  This FAQ clarifies the sportsbook and playoff confusion heading into Week 18’s games.

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Will Monday’s Bengals/Bills game conclude?

The NFL declared the game will not resume at any point and is officially ruled a no-contest. The result bears no weight on each team’s win percentage. The determination voids all official statistics. The Bengals led 7-3 before play stopped.

What Happens to Bengals/Bills Week 17 Bets?

Major American sportsbooks operate under the rule that “bets on suspended games are voided unless played within the same scheduling week.” As such, all major American sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetGM, entirely refunded bets unsettled prior to completion ie: spread and moneyline wagers.

Prop bets involving action that occurred during play were paid out. BetGM and FanDuel removed voided bets from parlays and will adjust the potential payout with respect to the remaining legs.

For example, the following prop bets were settled on DraftKings:

  • First Touchdown Scorer
  • Anytime Touchdown Scorer
  • Total First Quarter
  • First Bengals Touchdown Scorer
  • First Bills Drive Result
  • First Bengals Drive Result
  • First Scoring Play Type
  • Race to 6 Points — First Quarter
  • First Score — on or after 6:00 Elapsed
  • Bengals to score 1+ points
  • First Team to Score
  • First Touchdown Yards
  • First Score Yards
  • First Field Goal Made
  • First Touchdown — on or after 9:00 Elapsed
  • First Score Method
  • Bills First to Score / Moneyline

*OddsJam advises checking with your individual sportsbook to confirm any alterations to potential betting action

What Happens to Futures Bets?

Each sportsbook establishes individualized rules for prop bets. DraftKings honored the Bengals as the AFC North champions. Win totals will also be paid out normally, meaning those who bet on the Bengals to win over 10 games and the Bills to win over 11 games cashed. All other bets were voided — bettors can still wager on Burrow (+900) or Josh Allen (+1500) becoming the next NFL MVP.

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How Does The Bengals/Bills Game Affect the NFL Playoffs?

Overall winning percentage determines the seeding of the 2023 NFL playoff teams.

The Bengals (11-4) clinched the AFC North due to the cancelation of Monday’s game. If the division rival Baltimore Ravens (10-6) defeat the Bengals this Sunday, the Ravens still won’t be able to host a potential playoff game between the two. The Bengals would still have a higher winning percentage for a 16-game (0.69) schedule than the Ravens (0.65) would after playing 17 games.

The Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) clinch the top AFC seed with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders (6-10). The Bills caused one of the Chiefs’ three losses, giving Buffalo the seeding tie-breaker. However, playing 16 official games instead of 17 robs the Bills of the first seed if both teams win or tie. 

NFL owners voted to settle the unfairness by having the AFC Championship played on a neutral field if the Chiefs and Bills both win and face in the playoffs. The two teams will also play on a neutral field determined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell if the Bills and Chiefs lose, and the Bengals lose or tie. If the Bengals win while the Bills and Chiefs lose, either a Bills-Chiefs or Bengals-Chiefs championship game will occur at a neutral field. 

The Chiefs are a -425 favorite at DraftKings for Week 18. The Bills are a -320 favorite.

A coin toss determines the location of a first-round playoff game between the Ravens and Bengals if the Ravens win Sunday. DraftKings sets the Bengals as a -450 favorite.

* chart courtesy of NFL Media Research Department

What Does the Complete AFC Playoff Picture Look Like?

The new seeding possibilities for each AFC team are as follows barring ties: 

  • Chiefs retain the first seed with a win OR a Bills loss
  •  Bills earn the first seed with a win AND a Chiefs loss
  • Bengals rise to the second seed with a win AND a Bills loss
  •  Jaguars and Titans play for the fourth seed. Jaguars hold the tie-breaker
  •  Ravens clinched playoffs, rise to the fifth seed with a win AND a Chargers loss
  • Chargers clinched playoffs, can retain the fifth seed with a win AND a Chargers loss
  • The Patriots will clinch the seventh seed with a win OR if the Dolphins and Steelers lose
  • The Dolphins will clinch the seventh seed with a win AND a Patriots loss
  • The Steelers will clinch the playoffs with a win AND both a Patriots and Dolphins loss

Is the NFC Affected?

No.

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