Another wonderful weekend of football is here! Mother Nature largely cooperated last week, partially because we had a lot of dome games, but even the outside games were mainly left undisturbed. Will that streak continue into week 3? Find out below!
As always, for the full context of weather-related impacts, this article by Matt Disorbo is required reading: “Whether Weather Really Matters.”.
Sunday Early Afternoon Games
Green Bay Packers @ Cleveland Browns
LOW impact. It’s shaping up to be a pretty decent day in Cleveland. Kickoff through the first half will be fine, looking at some rain showers popping up after halftime, though. It doesn’t look to be too significant, so don’t fade any of your WRs. Winds will be around 8-10 mph with temperatures in the lower 80s.
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
LOW impact. Similar to the game in Cleveland, there will be some afternoon showers and some thunderstorms popping up near halftime. However, do not expect them to be widespread. There’s also a chance of thunderstorms (we managed to go 1 week without a delay!). It’s shaping up to be a hot afternoon, with temps hitting the low 90s. Based on what has occurred with other teams, that may result in additional breaks for RBs. Now, don’t go benching Jonathan Taylor or anything, but he may take fewer snaps as a result. Winds will be fairly light in the high single digits.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots
LOW impact. It is shaping up to be a beautiful afternoon for the game. Mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the low 70s. Winds will be in the single digits. Start all your studs and enjoy the game.
Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles
LOW impact. Another gorgeous game with partly sunny skies, winds around 5 mph, and high temperatures in the low 70s. The weather will not have an impact here.
New York Jets @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
MEDIUM impact. Mostly sunny skies and light winds, which makes this game medium? Great question, dear reader. That would be the temperature. It’s going to be a muggy day in Florida with temperatures in the low 90s, but with a heat index (temperature + humidity) of close to 100! That will take a toll on the player throughout the game. I don’t think you bench anyone due to that, but I would expect the RB snaps to be split more evenly amongst the players on both teams. I could be wrong, but running hard in that heat will take its toll.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Washington Commanders
LOW impact. Another nice East Coast game for Sunday. There will be some clouds, but no rain. Winds will be around the 6-7 mph range, and temperatures will be in the high 70s. Start all your usual players. This is my pick for “GOOD WEATHER GAME OF THE WEEK”.
Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers
LOW impact. Like a lot of the early afternoon games, this will be a nice day for football: sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-80s, and winds in the single digits. No impacts, don’t let the weather impact your decision-making here.
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
MEDIUM impact. Expect some isolated rain throughout the game, but it won’t be too significant. The winds in this game will be what to watch. Expecting sustained winds in the mid-teens with gusts into the low 20s throughout the game. This will impact the deep passing game, and more so with the kickers. If you have Cam Little or Ka’imi Faibairn and you can flex to a similar kicker with no impacts, that would be worth it. Temperatures will also be a little high, sitting in the upper 80s with a heat index in the lower 90s.
Sunday Late Afternoon Games
New Orleans Saints @ Seattle Seahawks
LOW impact. There’s going to be plenty of rain pre-game in Seattle, but the majority of it will have moved on by the time kickoff starts. Expect a few random showers to pop up during the first quarter, but by halftime, it won’t be an issue. Winds in the single digits, and temperatures in the mid-60s. Start all your usual guys.
Dallas Cowboys @ Chicago Bears
MEDIUM impact. Rain will be in and around the Chicago area during the game. There’s also a chance of thunderstorms throughout the game. Temperatures in the mid-70s, with winds in the high single digits. Typically, with rain and slick conditions, we see increased ball security issues and more of a focus on the running game. However, even with those conditions, your stud WRs in this game (particularly Cee-Dee Lamb and Rome Odenze) shouldn’t be benched. If you have a flex option for Dak Prescott, who’s playing in a more favorable weather game, it may be worth the switch. However, don’t force it. This is a juicy matchup.
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers
LOW impact. It’s looking to be a great afternoon for the game. Clear skies, temperatures in the mid-70s, and light winds. Start all your studs and enjoy!
Sunday Night Game
Kansas City Chiefs @ New York Giants
LOW impact. Another game shaping up to be nice. Partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the upper-50s, and light winds. No issues here, let ’em rip.
Monday Night Game
Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens
LOW impact. Wrapping up Week 3 in Baltimore with a nice night. Which I’m glad for, because if this game were impacted by weather, I would be really annoyed. Partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the upper-60s, and winds in the single digits. There are lots of incredibly viable players here, so enjoy the game.
Best of luck to your team in the week ahead!