The AFC Championship Game will not shuffle to Buffalo or take a train or plane to Kansas City if the chalk on the NFL playoffs proves correct.
If the favored Bills and the Chiefs both advance to the conference title game, the contest that will decide who goes to the Super Bowl will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the NFL announced Thursday.
Buffalo has a home wildcard matchup against the Dolphins this Sunday, the start of the NFL playoffs, while Kansas City is awaiting the lowest remaining seed in the Divisional Round after a bye week.
If one of Buffalo or Kansas City is eliminated, the AFC Championship location would revert to the home field of the highest remaining seed.
A potentially neutral site was needed following the cancellation of Monday night’s Buffalo soccer game against Cincinnati after Buffalo security guard Damar Hamlin was injured after suffering cardiac arrest after a tackle on the field.
The cancellation of that game allowed Kansas City to claim the AFC’s No. 1 pick based on winning percentage. The Chiefs ended the regular season 14-3. Buffalo played 16 games and finished 13-3.
“We are encouraged by Damar Hamlin’s continued improvement and progress in his recovery, and Damar and his family remain a voice for the entire NFL community,” said Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We are also grateful to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons for agreeing to host the AFC Championship Game in Atlanta should the Bills and Chiefs advance.
“We thank these two clubs for their support in the planning. We know that the Mercedes-Benz Stadion will provide a world-class atmosphere for the participating teams, our fans and partners if required.”
Atlanta is an indoor stadium that will change the dynamics of the championship game from the cold weather outdoors, opening up the passing game for both teams.