Potential Bills-Chiefs AFC championship to be played in Atlanta

A potential AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the NFL announced Thursday.

The decision comes following the cancellation of the Week 17 contest between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals due to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Both the Bills and Chiefs approved the move last week.

"As part of the standard NFL contingency planning, Atlanta was designated a possible backup host for postseason games prior to the start of the 2022 season and is almost equidistant from both potential participating teams' cities," the NFL said. "All other potential AFC Championship Game matchups would take place at the home stadium of the higher seed."

The move to the Mercedes-Benz dome will also eliminate weather as a factor in the potential matchup.

Meanwhile, Hamlin was released from the hospital Wednesday. He'll continue his rehab and recovery at home, as well as at the Bills' facilities.

"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," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The AFC championship will be played Jan. 29.