“We are monitoring conditions as we do for every game, but there have been no discussions about making a change to the game’s status,” an NFL spokesperson says.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The NFL on Thursday evening refuted reports claiming that the Bills-Steelers wild card game could be moved to Cleveland, citing weather concerns.
“We are monitoring conditions as we do for every game, but there have been no discussions about making a change to the game’s status,” said Brian McCarthy, vice president of communications for the NFL.
A social media post from media in Pittsburgh had said the game could be moved, citing the possibility for lake effect snow and saying that there could be a state of emergency issued for Western New York this weekend.
Last year the Bills’ game against the Cleveland Browns was moved to Detroit after a massive lake effect snow event struck Western New York before Thanksgiving. The Bills beat the Browns 31-23 on a Sunday, then followed that performance with a 28-25 victory against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties from 1 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Monday. Lake effect snow east and then northeast of the lake could produce 7 inches or more of snow.