The AFC wild-card game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers was moved from Sunday to Monday afternoon because of an impending storm that will bring frigid temperatures, potentially feet of snow and gusting winds.
The game between the No. 2-seed Buffalo Bills (11-6) and the No. 7-seed Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) now is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday in Orchard Park, N.Y., and will be televised by CBS. It had been scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a full travel ban across Erie County — where Highmark Stadium is located — beginning Saturday at 9 p.m. She declared a state of emergency on Friday.
“I’ve been in communication with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the dangerous conditions in Buffalo this weekend,” she said in a statement Saturday. “In consultation with our emergency response teams, Buffalo Bills leadership, and the NFL, the Bills game will be postponed.”
The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a winter storm warning that took effect at 10 a.m. Saturday and runs through 7 a.m. Monday. The forecast calls for snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet, which some localized areas seeing up to 3 feet. Winds could reach as high as 65 mph at their peak, with blizzard conditions possible.
The service said travel along snow-covered roads will be difficult, with some areas impassible and visibility near zero.
Before the postponement, the Bills put out a call for people to help shovel snow at the stadium, offering $20 per hour.
Hochul, born in Buffalo, has been known to root for the Bills.
–Field Level Media