Steelers-Bills postponed: Here’s what needs to occur for AFC wild card game to happen Monday as scheduled

The Steelers-Bills wild card game scheduled for Sunday afternoon got pushed to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday after the New York governor’s office consulted with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Saturday.

But, according to a source familiar with the Buffalo Bills, there are still obstacles to overcome in order for the game to be played on that day, at that time, in that stadium, with fans in the stands.

“Everywhere you turn, there’s a trap door,” the source said, explaining all the unique issues of playing this game during a snowstorm in Western New York at Highmark Stadium.

As it stood Saturday early evening, the NFL felt confident the game would be able to be played as scheduled Monday, according to league sources. But if weather issues persist into Sunday evening, a potential second postponement until Tuesday may be in the cards for the NFL.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban for Erie County beginning at 9 p.m. ET Saturday. The ban will be reassessed at 6 a.m. Sunday depending upon the forecast. In her Saturday press conference, Hochul urged travelers to make their way into Buffalo as soon as possible.

“Now is the time for these truckers in particular,” Gov. Hochul said, “whether they’re coming over the Peace Bridge, coming up from Pennsylvania or coming from the east, make sure that they monitor the conditions right now. Travel now, not later.”

The Steelers are planning to travel to Buffalo at 3 p.m. Sunday, according to sources. The team had originally planned to travel Saturday at that same time before adjusting a day later, opting to keep their same schedule.

But with the forecast calling for oscillating weather bands and wind gusts between 50-65 MPH on Sunday afternoon, one wonders why the team is waiting to get to Buffalo.

“The bullseye of this storm is scheduled to hit the Southtowns, probably Orchard Park, right at the…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-bills-postponed-heres-what-needs-to-occur-for-afc-wild-card-game-to-happen-monday-as-scheduled/

Author : Jonathan Jones

Publish date : 2024-01-14 00:09:43

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