Divisional Round Weather Conditions

Just two of the games will be played outdoors this weekend, but a dangerous storm hitting Kansas City associated with icy conditions has already forced the NFL to move the game time. For further updates, follow me on Twitter @FF_Gouge.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots

8:15 PM ET
GILLETTE STADIUM
FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS

Temp: 28°
Precipitation: Rain
Wind: 7 mph
Wind Gusts: 20 mph

Fantasy Impact: None

Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs

8:20 PM ET
ARROWHEAD STADIUM
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Temp: 34°
Precipitation: Rain
Wind: 8 mph
Wind Gusts: 15 mph

Fantasy Impact: Icy conditions associated with winter storm Jupiter may create havoc for Kansas City leading up to the game this weekend. The NFL took a proactive approach and moved the game time back from 1:05 EST to 8:20 EST to avoid the most dangerous parts of the storm. Expect to see wet conditions but heaters recently installed for the field at Arrowhead Stadium and rain expected in the evening should prevent ice or slush from building up before or during the game.

Alex Smith has quietly been on a roll. He’s still not putting up huge passing numbers, but he’s rushed for a TD in three straight games and put up more rushing yards in those games than the rest of the season combined. Spencer Ware should receive the most touches but might struggle against a Pittsburgh rush defense that has shut down RBs the past few weeks including LeSean McCoy and Jay Ajayi. Tyreek Hill has put up one of the more impressive and bizarre rookie seasons NFL history, but his low volume makes him extremely dependent on big plays and TDs. Travis Kelce is by far the best receiving option Kansas City has and could have a big day if Pittsburgh starts to pull away.

An at-home Ben Roethlisberger torched Kansas City with 5 TDs and Le’Veon Bell notched 144 yards on only 18 carries in Week 4. This time is different where Kansas City plays at home while coming off an extra week of rest. Roethlisberger is notorious for struggles on the road and a nagging foot injury combined with the wet conditions don’t bold well for his rematch. The last time Pittsburgh played in similar conditions was in Buffalo. Bell won the Footie Award for Fantasy Performance of the Year with 298 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs but what went under the radar was Roethlisberger’s pitiful performance that ended with 3 interceptions and zero TDs. Bell is probably the safest fantasy option this week, but it’s difficult to trust Big Ben and by extension Antonio Brown on the road in wet conditions.