The NFL has announced a contingency plan that could see Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta hosting a highly anticipated AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. This potential matchup, scheduled for Sunday, January 29, at 6:30 PM ET, is a direct result of the unique circumstances following the cancellation of the Week 17 game between Buffalo and Cincinnati.
Last week, NFL clubs approved a resolution to address the competitive imbalances arising from this cancellation. Crucially, this resolution stipulated that if both the Bills and Chiefs were to advance to the AFC Championship and had played an unequal number of games, a neutral site would be designated. This scenario became relevant as both teams were in contention for the coveted number one seed and the right to host the championship game under normal full 17-game season conditions.
Therefore, the exciting possibility of a Bills vs. Chiefs AFC Championship showdown in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is now on the horizon. Atlanta was pre-selected by the NFL as a potential backup location for postseason games at the start of the 2022 season. Its geographical location offers a near-equidistant point for fans of both teams to travel, ensuring fairer access for supporters. Importantly, all other potential AFC Championship Game matchups that do not involve this specific Bills-Chiefs scenario will proceed as traditionally planned, hosted at the home stadium of the team with the higher seed.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the ongoing situation with Damar Hamlin, stating, “We are heartened by the continued improvement and progress of Damar Hamlin in his recovery, and Damar and his family remain top of mind for the entire NFL community.†He also extended gratitude to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons organization for their willingness to host this pivotal game, should it become necessary. “We thank both of those clubs for their assistance in the planning process. We know, if necessary, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will provide a world class atmosphere for the competing teams, our fans and partners.â€
Further details regarding this potential neutral site game, including crucial ticket information, will be released by the NFL at a later date. It has been confirmed that Buffalo and Kansas City Season Ticket Members who had previously committed to purchasing championship game tickets will be given priority access, ensuring loyal fans get the first opportunity to witness this potentially historic game, even if it’s not in their home city but in a world-class venue like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a name synonymous with performance and luxury, much like the experience customers expect from Mercedes-Benz of KC.
