Why are New England and Cincinnati playing their backups?

[Javalon]

Why do the Pats and Bengals not seem to care about getting the 3rd seed instead of the 4th seed? They are both playing their backups and seemingly giving up their games.

Are they both trying to avoid the 3rd seed so they don't have to play the Steelers? That would seem kind of strange to have both teams fearing a wild card team.

Does neither team care that they would be increasing their chances of traveling to Indy for the divisional game if they drop to the 4th seed? Is playing in Indy no longer a scarier prospect than playing in Denver? All the "analysts" would seem to think otherwise?

Does neither team care about heading into the postseason on a winning note? Is resting their starters more important than having momentum going into the playoffs? I remember the Broncos '96 season and I'm very glad to have that positive momentum this year for the playoffs.

What do you think?

[billymischke_33]

no, neither team dose care. they just dont want to face indy, in the second round. their just looking at who they might play (pit, or NE) so theyr just playing so they get the easier game, both teams have clinched so it dosent matter where they go.

[Atwater His Ass]

Cincinnati doesn't want to play Pittsburgh.

[TXBRONC]

Why do the Pats and Bengals not seem to care about getting the 3rd seed instead of the 4th seed? They are both playing their backups and seemingly giving up their games.

Are they both trying to avoid the 3rd seed so they don't have to play the Steelers? That would seem kind of strange to have both teams fearing a wild card team.

Does neither team care that they would be increasing their chances of traveling to Indy for the divisional game if they drop to the 4th seed? Is playing in Indy no longer a scarier prospect than playing in Denver? All the "analysts" would seem to think otherwise?

Does neither team care about heading into the postseason on a winning note? Is resting their starters more important than having momentum going into the playoffs? I remember the Broncos '96 season and I'm very glad to have that positive momentum this year for the playoffs.

What do you think?

I think its more that they don't their starters injuried. Like you I'm very glad we're going into the playoffs with momentum.

[Sevenis7]

I didn't get it either. Especially since BOTH NE AND Cincy have beaten Steelers this season.

But don't you think that's a slight to the Jaguars? Pittsburgh isn't that scary. Yeah, they closed out strong....... beating the likes of Cleveland, Minnesota, and Detroit. Whoop-tee-doo.

[Spice 1]

Well, first of all, Cinci wasn't going to win in Arrowhead anyways. I realy did not understand NE though. I saw the highlights to their game, and Flutie was out there competing in a pass, punt, and kick contest. WTF Bill? I am well aware that Cinci blows at home, and might get beat by the Steelers. I'm just not so sure you want to risk going into Indi, because with NE's secondary, it'll be over quick. Oh well, here's to Jacksonville taking care of business in the first round.

[PR-Broncomaniac]

Simple.
They do not have a one week bye like Denver does.
So, they need to rest some starters and avoid injuries.