In this first preview of 2023, the impact last night’s suspended Cincinnati Bengals game could have on their schedule and the NFL standings. Plus, No.18 Xavier Men’s Basketball takes on Villanova.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals, the Buffalo Bills and the NFL are in the midst of a surreal situation. After Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest moments after making a tackle. During last night’s Bills/Bengals Monday Night Football game in Cincinnati. The game did not resume and was ultimately postponed roughly an hour after Hamlin collapsed. Hamlin is reportedly in critical condition this morning at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

While Hamlin’s condition is the most important concern in this situation. Last night’s events present uncertainty for the Bills and Bengals in other ways. There’s no word at this time about the future status of last night’s game. Which was stopped in the middle of the first quarter with the Bengals leading 7-3. It’s unclear at this time whether it will be completed or not.

How the game will be treated in the standings is also unclear. Both teams clinched playoff berths weeks ago, the Bills already clinched the AFC East. Guaranteeing themselves at least a home wild card game. The Bengals could’ve clinched the AFC North with a win last night. Had they lost the game, the Bengals vs. Ravens game on Sunday would decide the division title.

Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if last night’s game is declared a tie. This seems like the simplest solution to a difficult situation. Considering the regular season is set to conclude this Sunday. Resuming the game sometime before Sunday seems unlikely. Since both teams would be left with little time to prepare for Week 18. Fitting the game in sometime between next Monday and Saturday, January 14th also presents challenges. With the NFL Playoffs set to start on January 14th.

Having Monday’s game declared a tie would affect the standings. The Bengals would be 11-4-1 and the Bills would be 12-3-1. Having the game declared a tie would mean the Bengals won’t be the AFC’s No.1 seed. Since the current No.1 seed Kansas City Chiefs are 13-3. A tie would mean the Bengals win the AFC North. Since the second place Ravens are 10-6 and the Bengals would finish with at worst five losses. Guaranteeing the Bengals will host a wild card game.

Last night’s events might also affect the kickoff time for the Bengals’ Week 18 game. The NFL announced most of the Week 18 schedule prior to last night’s game. Including the Bills home game against the New England Patriots. Which is scheduled to take place Sunday at 1 PM (all times Eastern). The lone game whose kickoff time wasn’t announced Monday was the Bengals/Ravens game. The game is set to take place Sunday afternoon at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium.

UPDATE: Sunday’s Bengals vs. Ravens game is scheduled to kickoff at 1 PM on CBS. The Bengals radio broadcast can be heard on WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (1530) and WEBN-FM (102.7). Monday’s game will not be resumed this week.

Men’s College Basketball

Mount St. Joseph vs. Hanover College, Wednesday at 7 PM.

Thomas More vs. Campbellsville (KY), Thursday at 7:30 PM.

Cincinnati at Wichita State, Thursday at 9 PM on ESPN2 or ESPNU and WLW-AM (700).

Northern Kentucky vs. Oakland, Friday at 7 PM on WCKY-AM (1530) and ESPN+.

Mount St. Joseph vs. Manchester University, Saturday at 1 PM.

Thomas More at Lindsey Wilson (KY), Saturday at 4 PM.

No.18 Xavier at Villanova, Saturday at 4:30 PM on FS1 and WLW-AM (700).

Northern Kentucky vs. Detroit Mercy, Sunday at 2 PM on ESPN+ and WSAI-AM (1360).

Cincinnati vs. Houston, Sunday at 3 PM on ESPN.

Women’s College Basketball

Mount St. Joseph at Hanover College, Wednesday at 7 PM.

Thomas More vs. No.3 Campbellsville (KY), Thursday at 5:30 PM.

Xavier vs. No.5 UConn, Thursday at 7 PM on SNY in the New York metro area.

Northern Kentucky vs. Milwaukee, Thursday at 7 PM on Bally Sports Ohio.

Cincinnati vs. Temple, Saturday at 2 PM on ESPN+.

Thomas More at Lindsey Wilson (KY), Saturday at 2 PM.

Northern Kentucky vs. Green Bay, Saturday at 2 PM on ESPN+.

Mount St. Joseph vs. Manchester University, Saturday at 3 PM.

Xavier at No.24 St. John’s, Sunday at 2 PM on FloSports.

Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones vs. Wheeling Nailers, Saturday at 7:30 PM.

Cyclones at Toledo Walleye, Sunday at 5:15 PM.

All Cyclones games can be seen on FloHockey and heard on cycloneshockey.com.