NFL Week 2 Weather Conditions (Fantasy Football)
Week 1 is in the books and provided an overall great start to the season. However, we did get confirmation on a few things highlighted in Samuel DiSorbo’s article “Does Weather Impact Fantasy Football Performance?”
Namely, that winds have a bigger impact on players unless it is a torrential downpour. Winds were sustained in the upper teens, which limited deep-ball efficiency and resulted in more of a focus on the run game and shorter passes throughout the Chiefs and Broncos game.
We also saw the impact of high temperatures and high humidity, with increased personnel rotation throughout several games. I do not think this is as important as the winds, but it is something to keep an eye on and consider for the rest of summer.
Remember, weather is rarely a reason to bench your studs. It is not “the” factor but “a” factor in your decision-making process.
It’s football time, baby!
Sunday Early Afternoon Games
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
HIGH impact. It is not shaping up to be a great day for this game. There is a high chance of rain throughout the game, along with winds that will be sustained in the mid-teens with occasional gusts up to the mid-20s. Generally, we have seen more of a focus on the running game in these conditions. So D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangi, and Aaron Jones Sr. should all see plenty of work. It’s impossible to recommend benching Caleb Williams after last week, but expectations should be tempered for all QB’s and WR’s involved. Temperatures will be in the low-70s.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans
MEDIUM impact. Temperatures will be the biggest impact throughout this game, with highs in the upper-90s and a heat index in the low-100s. With those temperatures, expect more of a rotation of players to keep them fresh. Winds will be light, and there should not be any rain. I do not think you bench anyone here, but the temperatures combined with the potential blowout of this game will limit opportunities.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots
MEDIUM impact. There will be some rain showers throughout the game, with a 50% chance of rain popping up in the area. Winds will be in the single digits with temperatures in the mid-60s. The rain will mostly be light, so don’t make any wild adjustments to your roster based on that, but flex if you have a good option.
Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets
MEDIUM impact. Another game that will be impacted by rain showers. This game will have more consistent rain showers, with 80% of the area covered by rain. Good news is that winds will be pretty light, with max speeds around 8-9 mph. Temper expectations for the passing game, as these conditions result in more of a run-based offense.
Cleveland Browns @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
MEDIUM impact. There is a high likelihood of rain and some thunderstorms during this game. If a thunderstorm pops up, they will delay the game (as seen numerous times last year), and it is not very likely that we will get rain outside of those thunderstorms. So it is something to be aware of, but the impacts won’t be felt too hard on the players. What will be felt is the heat index; those temperatures will reach the upper-90s. So expect increased player rotations, especially if this game gets out of hand.
New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens
MEDIUM impact. Another game with rain! Much like other games, though, it will be fairly light, and the winds will be in the single digits. So while annoying, it likely will not impact too much of the game. Temperatures will be in the lower-80s.
Sunday Late Afternoon Games
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos
MEDIUM impact. Isolated rain showers, with percentages sitting around 40% coverage for the area. Winds will be in the high single digits. Bumped this game up to medium because of the rain percentage, but I am not really sweating this game too much. Start all your usual players.
Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers
LOW impact. Finally an easy one! Light winds, temperatures in the low-70s and no rain. This is the “GOOD WEATHER GAME OF THE WEEK”. Start all your studs.
Sunday Night Game
Indianapolis Colts @ Kansas City Chiefs
MEDIUM impact. Let’s wrap up Sunday with some more rain, shall we? Currently sitting at a 60% chance of coverage throughout the area. There is also a small chance of some thunderstorms during the game. Winds will be in the single digits, with temperatures in the low-70s. Keep an eye on this one as we move into Sunday night, and be ready to flex if needed.
Best of luck to your team in the week ahead!