Blackout looming for Chargers' NFL playoff game?

Bloomberg News reported earlier today, January 2, that three National Football League playoff games this weekend could be blacked out in home markets because of lagging ticket sales. Thousands of tickets are still available in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Green Bay, says Bloomberg. The game in Cincinnati Sunday features the San Diego Chargers playing the Bengals.

Thousands of tickets are still available in those markets, says Bloomberg, and under NFL rules, a game can be blacked out 72 hours in advance if not enough tickets are sold. However, Indianapolis has been granted an extension, and it's possible Green Bay and Cincinnati will get them, too, says Bloomberg. Only two regular-season games in the league were blacked out during the regular season. A postseason game has not been blacked out since January 10, 2002, in Miami.

Cold weather can't be the only factor. The Indianapolis game Saturday will be played indoors. But the price of tickets could be a factor. Tickets remaining for the Indianapolis game range from $56 to $155. Remaining Green Bay tickets are listed at $102 to $313. The fact that people can watch games at home on high-definition, big-screen TVs or on smaller electronic gadgets are other factors.