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The NFL supports the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens for their decision to tinker with the rulebook to do what they think is right.

But there was one other team they had to consider: The Cincinnati Bengals would have been on pace to clinch the second seed had they beaten the Bills leading 7-3). Dahmer Hamlin’s horrifying injury). And the Bengals even had a shot at the No. 1 seed.

Despite winning the AFC North Fair and Square, they could now lose home advantage in the first round.

Needless to say, the team and front office are furious.

And fans and Bengals reporters haven’t taken it well either.

The Bengals are understandably angry about the league’s proposal. Zach Taylor, Katie Blackburn, and Joe Mixon are all hinting at the same idea at this point.

— Jake Liscow (@JakeLiscow) January 6, 2023

If the NFL intends to let the Bengals play the division champions’ schedule next season, they need to guarantee them a home game in the wild card round.

— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) January 6, 2023

There is absolutely no way to say this is fair, seeing what the Bengals got compared to KC and BUF in games they were winning. If they play his BUF, it should at least be on a neutral site. Their chances for the No. 1 seed turned into a coin toss with BAL.

— Ace Boogie (@NewStripeCity) January 6, 2023

If KC loses to LV, CIN beats BAL and BUF beats NE:

Buff #1
KC#2
Thin #3

However, in a potential 2v3 division, CIN does not benefit from the coin toss that determines the venue and KC, whereas BAL does so if conditions are equal (unequal games and 1-on-1 wins) ??

— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) January 6, 2023

Basically, the NFL gave losses to the Bengals and Bills on Monday night.

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) January 6, 2023

If the Bengals win the AFC Championship Game, Roger Goodell will flip a coin to determine whether KC or Buffalo will play the Super Bowl instead.

— Mark Charifoux (@markchalifoux) January 6, 2023

NFL: Wanted ‘full equity’

Bengals: Enforce written rules or home field coin toss for more games.

NFL: No, it’s not that kind of equity.

— Chris Rolling (@Chris_Roling) January 6, 2023

If you need more proof, @NFL We have a bias against some markets, but we have it today.

Horrible.

— (@ Bengals Captain) January 6, 2023

of @NFL Ever been slimy under your board? Are we all pretending to be shocked? I’m filing a lawsuit now – suspending the entire Dunseason.

— Bridget J (@bridgetjancarz) January 6, 2023

Cincinnati fans are so passionate that they deserve a playoff game at home, so it pisses me off too.Not everyone has extra cash for travel, especially in this economy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! told me it was a terrible thing to do

— Commissioner Yas (@commissioneryas) January 6, 2023

The worst part for many is the fact that the Bengals are being punished for leaving the field with no respect for Hamlin.

If the Bengals feel punished for refusing to continue playing after a life-threatening injury, it may be intentional.

Remember how both teams were expected to play after the five-minute break? They want to make sure it’s implemented in the future.

— Dadio McDoc (@dadiodefacto) January 6, 2023

The NFL has officially declared that being a good person is bad and 100% better than forcing the other team to play or forfeiting the game even in the face of tragedy.

—Ryan The Cocaine Hippo (@RoyleRedlegs) January 6, 2023

Even non-Bengals fans and reporters unrelated to the team found the situation ridiculous.

Am I the only one who thinks the Bengals are a bit screwed up here?

— Lindsey (@lindseyyok) January 6, 2023

Still, it’s important to keep your cool and not be reckless.

We all know what day it is and we all know what you’re thinking. Please don’t raid the league office.

— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) January 6, 2023

Phew, okay, this is fine for now. But you get the point. This is a big mess, and Bengals fans aren’t going to accept a playoff loss midway through (especially when it happens against the Ravens!).

Unfortunately our complaints go nowhere. All that’s left is to beat the Ravens on Sunday and get him at least one win in the home playoffs.

Preview that game below.