Week 10 has quickly rolled into town, bringing winter weather conditions to NFL cities. The national weather forecast for Sunday is fairly mild in terms of precipitation but will have a few pockets of low temperatures, so extra layers and pregame beverages will be required at select NFL stadiums as the 2014 season heads toward the homestretch.
With little significant weather interference projected for Week 10, we can take a brief moment to discuss the wind challenges that face NFL teams on a weekly basis. Thursday Night Football this week was a great example of the impact wind can have on fantasy players as both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns had trouble in the kicking game. Winds were high during this matchup, as Billy Cundiff watched a field goal attempt get pushed wide and Marvin Lewis elected to leave Bengals kicker Mike Nugent on the sideline on multiple 4th down attempts due to heavy wind gusts. We should also give Andy Dalton a small bit of credit, as his atrocious passing effort could have been attributed in part to high winds as well. As the NFL season marches onward into the depths of winter, situations like this will become much more common so be sure to join us as we break down the NFL weather forecast each week.
Now, grab your gloves and slap on those ear muffs as we check out weather conditions around the NFL for Week 10.
Winter Weather Watch
Chicago at Green Bay (8:30 ET): The only hosting NFL city with notable weather in the forecast for Week 10 is Green Bay, Wisconsin. Lambeau Field will have a wintry feel for this NFC North matchup between the Packers and Bears as snow is in the forecast over the weekend. Sunday morning will see rain and snow mixtures along with 39 degree temperatures and the forecasted chance of snow will decrease along with the temperature as the late kickoff approaches. By the time this game gets underway, temperatures will be in the upper 20’s but cloudy, dry weather should move in at that point.
All fantasy options will likely be safe in Green Bay, but with snow a virtual certainty on Monday in the area, heavy winter precipitation could easily move into the region early. No extreme fantasy roster decisions should be made at this point, but this situation is worth monitoring on Sunday. Unfortunately, fantasy owners won’t have much choice in terms of lineup options, as this is the Sunday Night game, but simply be aware that snow is a possibility.
Editor’s Note: Rotoworld’s partner FanDuel is hosting a one-week $3 Million Fantasy Football league for Week 10’s games. It’s only $25 to join and first prize is $500,000. Starts Sunday, November 9th at 1pm ET. Here’s the link.
Worry-Free Weather
Kansas City at Buffalo (1:00 ET): Ralph Wilson Stadium will see some chilly temperatures on Sunday as the Bills host the Chiefs with a high of 44 degrees expected. Despite the brisk weather, playing conditions should be just fine with only a 10% chance of precipitation and winds around 10-15 mph in the forecast.
Dallas at Jacksonville (1:00 ET): The final installment of the 2014 NFL International Series will be held at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday as the Jaguars take on the Cowboys. Conditions will be mild as Tony Romo attempts to return from a back injury and lead the Cowboys to their seventh win, with 53 degree temperatures expected. Winds of just 7 mph will be present and only a 10% chance of rain is forecasted in the area.
Tennessee at Baltimore (1:00 ET): Clouds will be covering the skies above M&T Bank Stadium early on Sunday, but will burn off and make way for sunshine and 55 degree temperatures as the Baltimore Ravens host the Tennessee Titans. No precipitation or wind interference is in the Sunday Baltimore forecast, so all fantasy options in this contest should be clear for launch.
Pittsburgh at New York Jets (1:00 ET): MetLife Stadium will be enjoying pleasant weekend weather, with no precipitation expected in the area. On Sunday, 55 degree temperatures are forecasted along with partly sunny skies and just 6 mph winds. Conditions will be perfect for Ben Roethlisberger’s attempt at throwing six touchdown passes in three consecutive games.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay (1:00 ET): The rest of the NFL will jealously look upon Tampa, Florida on Sunday when the Buccaneers host the Atlanta Falcons in 72 degree weather. Partly cloudy skies will be overhead, but just a 20% chance of rain is expected with mild winds of only 7 mph. Look for the Falcons passing game to get back on track in this game with favorable playing conditions.
Denver at Oakland (4:05 ET): The best weather of the Week 10 NFL slate will be found at O.co Coliseum in Oakland as 76 degree temperatures and sunny skies will set the stage for this AFC West matchup. Winds will reach just 6 mph on Sunday so conditions will be perfect for Peyton Manning and the Broncos to dismantle the Raiders.
New York Giants at Seattle (4:25 ET): Signature Seattle weather is expected at CenturyLink Field on Sunday when the Seahawks host the visiting Giants, with cloudy skies and a 50% chance of showers in the forecast. Temperatures will be mild at 54 degrees, and wind won’t be a major factor with gusts reaching only 10 mph. If rain does indeed make an appearance during this game, the showers will likely move quickly through the area as no rain is expected on Saturday or Monday in the Emerald City.
Carolina at Philadelphia (8:30 ET, Mon): Monday Night Football will visit Lincoln Financial Field this week, and will be greeted by clear skies and 43 degree temperatures. Despite the cold conditions, no rain is expected and wind will not be an issue as Mark Sanchez gets his first start of the season.
Home Teams Are Dome Teams
Three games will be played in domes or stadiums with retractable roofs on Sunday, including a critical matchup between 4-4 teams as the New Orleans Saints host Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers.
Miami at Detroit (1:00 ET)
San Francisco at New Orleans (1:00 ET)
St. Louis at Arizona (4:25 ET)
