The Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns playing in the middle of a snowstorm of epic proportions sounds awesome, but it could be a logistical nightmare.
As such, the NFL might ultimately move the Week 11 clash between the AFC teams as Buffalo prepares for a potentially historic snowstorm.
The league, according to multiple reports, has been in constant contact with both teams about the possibility of moving the game out of Buffalo. There is recent precedent for doing so, too, as a game between the Bills and New York Jets was moved during the 2014 season to Detroit as snow hammered western New York.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned that precedent Thursday afternoon, while also pointing out another odd scheduling quirk. It’s almost certain the NFL won’t postpone the game because Buffalo is scheduled to play the Lions on Thanksgiving. But, as Schefter notes, it’s possible the Bills play back-to-back games at Ford Field if the NFL ultimately moves the Cleveland game to Detroit. It helps that the Lions are at the Giants this week, and Detroit is a very easy trip for both the Browns and Bills.
Got it so far?
A state of emergency took place in Buffalo on Thursday morning with a travel ban to follow while the city and region prepare for what could be a massive storm even by Buffalo standards. The snow is expected to start falling Thursday night, and the heaviest stuff is likely to fall Friday and Saturday. Forecasts are calling for rates of 3 inches per hour, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see six feet of snow when it’s all said and done.
The snow likely will have started to subside by the scheduled kickoff Sunday. However, if the bulk of the snow falls Friday and Saturday, it will make it near-impossible for the Browns to even get to Orchard Park.
Moving the game could be an impactful decision on the field, too. It might actually favor the Bills, ironically. Buffalo’s offense is built around Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and the passing game. As talented as their defense is, they have struggled against the run in recent weeks, and the Browns have one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. Moving the game from Sunday — where there is still expected to be strong wind gusts — and bringing it indoors would take away a potentially major advantage for Cleveland.
As it stands right now, the Bills are 8-point favorites pretty much across the board. The total opened at 47 but quickly was bet down to 44 before getting as low as 41.5 in some places Thursday. The consensus as of Thursday afternoon was 42.5.
