The big reason they’re throwing a fit is because the Colts wussed out on a chance at an undefeated season and gave the Jets a back door into the playoffs. It gave them a double dose of bad publicity. The Saints game wasn’t a big deal because the Panthers weren’t in it and the Saints weren’t going for an undefeated season. Dittos for the Cards against the Pack.
I think the players wanted to try for a perfect season, but as it turned out, the field and weather in Buffalo today was so awful, their perfect season would have likely ended regardless. I mean, it would have been senseless to play the first string today and they didn't.
The Jets got gifts two weeks in a row. It’s not like the Bengals put up a fight today either. What an easy way to close the season.