The best news of all is that it looks like Damar Hamlin will survive.
After collapsing on the field from cardiac arrest during Monday night’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals, the Buffalo Bills’ safety at the hospital is improving following a frightening incident that left millions around the world praying for his recovery.
According to reportsthose prayers look like they’re being answered and Hamlin will be fine.
While Hamlin’s health and well-being is the focus of Monday night’s incident, a secondary situation has emerged that has thrown planning and seeding for the upcoming NFL playoffs into a bit of a mess.
Buffalo and Cincinnati may have played for top seed and home field throughout the AFC portion of the playoffs, so the teams that didn’t finish that game have forced the NFL to find alternative playoff seeding/contest solutions.
Early in the game, Buffalo and Kansas City had the best records in the AFC, but Buffalo had the tiebreaker on a straight win. Cincinnati was a game behind and had already beaten Kansas City, so a win over Buffalo would have given the Bengals the tiebreak across both teams.
One of the solutions announced by the league Thursday was the possibility of the AFC Championship game being played at a neutral venue, especially if Buffalo or Cincinnati advance there.
For the full announcement and list of scenarios following the final games of this week’s regular season that would trigger whether or not a neutral venue is selected, click or tap here.
But in terms of where a neutral-site AFC Championship game would take place, below are five likely locations.
As a disclaimer, this list is provided without direct knowledge or word of what the NFL’s thoughts are on potential neutral websites.
It’s just a guess based on previous instances where a neutral venue was needed for a game, including this year when Cleveland and Buffalo played in Detroit after a major snowstorm prevented it from being played in Buffalo.
The list also assumes that cities/stadiums would be willing to get involved and host.
Cities are listed in order of least likely to most likely.
5. New Orleans
Advantages – The city has hosted 10 Super Bowls and its dome stadium would not only be ideal in January, but it would also be a fun place for fans to start the game.
Disadvantages – When two Midwestern teams play in the AFC championship game, the league may want to choose a more neutral venue to make it easier for fans. Teams may also not be as familiar with the stadium and local area as the Saints are an NFC franchise.
4.Miami
Advantages – Miami has hosted the most Super Bowls of any city (11), so big games are held regularly. Teams would also be more familiar with the area since the Dolphins play in the AFC. The warm climate and pristine field would also likely take all weather elements out of play.
Disadvantages – As in the case of New Orleans, it would not be a central location and would not be the easiest place for fans of those teams to travel to on short notice.
3. New York/New Jersey
Advantages – Playing the AFC Championship game in the biggest media market might be desirable for the league, and it wouldn’t be much of a trip for Buffalo and Cincinnati fans either. MetLife Stadium is also a grass pitch that is better at keeping up.
Disadvantages – If the league wants to go somewhere neutral, they’ll likely prefer indoor or warm-weather locations to take elements out of the game. While the trip to the area might not be long for some fans, hotels, accommodation and restaurants in the area would be expensive.
2.Minnesota
Advantages – It’s a Midwest location with a beautiful domed facility, so it would be easy for Buffalo, Cincinnati, or Kansas City fans to go there and take all the elements out of the game. Minnesota is also not as expensive as the other three cities mentioned above.
Disadvantages – The Vikings are a playoff team in the NFC. So if enough results go to Minnesota, the league may need the stadium for the NFC Championship game.
1.Detroit
Advantages – Detroit has been called by the league as emergency hosts on other occasions, including this year’s Cleveland-Buffalo game after a snow storm in Buffalo. In 2010, the Giants and Vikings moved their game to Ford Field after the roof of the Metrodome collapsed. The Detroit area would be a short trip for Buffalo, Cincinnati or Kansas City fans, it wouldn’t be that expensive to spend time and the game would be held in an indoor stadium. Additionally, the Lions haven’t hosted a playoff game since 1994, so an avid fan base would be excited at the possibility of having the AFC championship game in their backyard.
Disadvantages – If Buffalo makes it, it would be his third time playing at Ford Field this year, so the league may see this as too big an advantage for the Bills.
Is there a city that we missed that could possibly be a good host for the AFC Championship game? Let us know in the comments below.
