Buffalo, New York – The highly anticipated AFC Wild Card matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills has been postponed due to extreme weather conditions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the NFL have reached an agreement to reschedule the game from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening in order to prioritize public safety.
The decision to postpone the game was made in light of the heavy snowfall and high winds expected in western New York this weekend. With snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 feet, playing in these conditions could pose significant risks for the players and fans. In response to the ongoing weather emergency, a full travel ban will be in effect in Erie County starting Saturday night.
This is not the first time the Steelers have had a playoff game postponed in the past decade. In 2017, their divisional round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs was moved to a later time due to an impending storm. The Steelers went on to win that game.
While football fans across the country brave freezing temperatures and winter storms to support their teams, the weather conditions in various cities are making it even more challenging. In Kansas City, where the Miami Dolphins are set to face the Chiefs, temperatures are expected to reach as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills making it feel even colder. In Texas, the Green Bay Packers will take on the Dallas Cowboys amidst below-freezing temperatures, snow, rain, and strong winds.
The rescheduled Steelers vs. Bills game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Fans who were eagerly awaiting the matchup will have to wait an extra day, but the decision prioritizes public safety in the face of severe weather conditions.