NFL makes major decision on Bills-Steelers playoff game
Nov 3, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; General view of the Buffalo Bills logo at New Era Field prior to the game against the Washington Redskins. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL has made a significant move regarding the playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.
In a Saturday news conference, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the NFL has moved the Bills game from Sunday afternoon to Monday due to concerns over the weather. The game will now be played at 4:30 p.m. on Monday due to a major snowstorm that is forecast to impact Buffalo on Sunday.
Hochul cited the safety of traveling fans as a major reason for the decision. The city of Buffalo is implementing a ban on travel overnight Saturday, with up to three feet of snow and high winds possible in certain areas.
Hochul says storm will be at its fiercest in south Buffalo Sunday in the afternoon. She has spoken with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on this. Travel ban in Buffalo starting tonight through at least 6 a.m. tomorrow as the city expects 2-3 inches of snow per hour.
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The brunt of the storm would have coincided with the previously-scheduled game. Not only would that have been extremely difficult for players, but it may have been unsafe for fans trying to get to and from the game.
The weather forecast has been a concern for much of the week, with some rumors that the game could even be moved to a different venue. That will not be happening, but it instead means there will be a playoff doubleheader on Monday.
