The main challenge from not playing that game is that Buffalo and KC were vying for a bye and home field advantage. Also cincinnati could have clinched their division. Without playing that game the outcome is different. This plan addresses the home field challenge but not the bye. I am not sure which is most valuable. The rest week is huge but the home crowd is a big advantage too.
In my opinion they should either bump the superbowl a week or delay the playoff and remove the week off before the superbowl. This only if the divisions and seeding are in dispute. If Cincinnati beats Baltimore this week they win the division regardless. Then, if the top spot is settled despite the missing game, proceed with the original playoff schedule. Otherwise, Cincinnati and Buffalo should replay or finish the cancelled game in a week.
Yes, and home field advantage is a big deal in the AFC/NFC Championship games. 70% are won by the home team.
It is also a big deal for a team like the Patriots, Packers, Bills, Bears to host a team from a warm climate or one accustomed to playing inside a dome.
It is more than just crowd noise or as they call it in Seattle the 12th man.
Goodell Sucks
Buffalo and Cincinnati should complete their game at sometime and the week off between Championship Sunday and the Superbowl should be eliminated.