NFL Week 7 Weather Conditions (Fantasy Football)
Overall, it was a fairly nice weekend for weather in Week 6. We had a few games of concern, but we managed to dodge the worst of it. However, as we talked about last week, the further we get into fall, the more likely we’re going to see some weather issues pop up, and let me tell you that is the case for this week. There are quite a few games this week, so now is a good time to remind you to go check out “Whether Weather Really Matters” by Matt Disorbo, so you can see the numbers behind the impacts.
Buckle up, it’s Week 7 time, baby!
International Game (London)
Los Angeles Rams @ Jacksonville Jaguars
MEDIUM impact. Another international game, but this will be the first one with some weather impacts. It will be raining pretty consistently throughout gametime. While the rain isn’t shaping up to be too heavy, it’ll be fairly persistent. Also, it’ll be windy with expected sustained speeds in the teens and gusts into the low 20s, but most of those winds won’t mix down to the field. Temperatures will be sitting in the low-60s. I would expect more of a reliance on the running game and short field passing. Potentially, look for suitable replacements for Matt Stafford and Trevor Lawrence with a QB who is playing indoors or a game without weather issues.
Sunday Early Afternoon Games
New Orleans Saints @ Chicago Bears
HIGH impact. This is a tricky one. There will be quite a bit of rain leading up to the game, but it’s looking to stop about an hour before kickoff. After the rain passes through, we’ll start to have some gradual clearing out of the skies along with some pretty strong winds. Looking at sustained winds in the mid-20s with gusts up to the low-30s. The winds will be slowing down throughout the game. I’m expecting improved wind conditions in the second half. If you want to be more cautious, then I would look at alternatives for basically every position. This game is definitely worth a pre-game check.
Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns
HIGH impact. This game will be wet and windy. Expect it to be raining, sometimes pretty significantly, throughout the game. Winds will be sustained in the mid-20s with gusts reaching up to the low-40s. Oh, and some thunderstorms will be around the area. If you start a QB in this game, you already had nerves of steel before the bad weather. I would expect a heavy dose of running from both teams, so leave Quinshon Judkins and De’Von Achane in, but look at better options for QB/WR/TE/K.
New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans
MEDIUM impact. This game is shaping up to be similar to the Chicago game. Expect some rain ending just before kickoff, with subsequent stronger winds moving in during gametime. Winds will be slightly less here, hence the “Medium”. Expecting sustained winds in the high-teens with an occasional gust into the high-20s. Those wind speeds will still cause issues for Kickers, so look for a good alternative if you can. The passing game will also be slightly impacted, so temper your expectations for receivers.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
LOW impact. Finally, a nice game! Sunny skies, no rain, winds in the high single digits, and temperatures in the upper-60s. No weather issues here, start all your studs.
Carolina Panthers @ New York Jets
MEDIUM impact. Winds will be the concern throughout this game. Sustained speeds will be in the mid-teens with gusts up to the mid-20s. The good news is that there won’t be any rain. So we’ll just have the winds to deal with. While those speeds aren’t crazy, it’ll likely impact Kickers first and then deep passes. Adjust accordingly!
Sunday Late Afternoon Games
New York Giants @ Denver Broncos
LOW impact. It will be a nice afternoon in Denver. Expect mostly clear skies, single-digit wind speeds, and temperatures in the upper 50s. Start all your studs.
Sunday Night Game
Atlanta Falcons @ San Francisco 49ers
LOW impact. A beautiful evening in Santa Clara will wrap up our Sunday. Clear skies, winds in the single digits, and no rain. Temperatures will be in the mid-50s. Sounds like the kind of conditions that would get the “GOOD WEATHER GAME OF THE WEEK”.
Monday Night Game
Houston Texans @ Seattle Seahawks
MEDIUM impact. Expect some persistent, probably annoying to the players, rain throughout the game. I am not seeing any heavy rain showers, just more of a persistent drizzle. Winds will be fairly calm in the single digits with temperatures in the low-50s. Be aware of the rain, but I wouldn’t let it be the primary factor in any start-sit decision.
Best of luck to your team in the week ahead!