NFL Climate Replace: Chilly Fronts within the North and Rain Dangers in Florida

On the primary Sunday of December, the climate could throw some wild playing cards into a number of large Week 14 NFL matchups that will issue into the playoff race.

Whereas there is not a “main storm” on the map this week, just like the one which blanketed a number of Huge Ten school soccer video games the Saturday after Thanksgiving, both chilly or rain might be nuisances in no less than 5 large video games on Sunday.

Let’s begin with the cold-weather video games.

Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Payments (1 p.m. ET)

So, how about slightly déjà vu?

In January 2023, the Bengals traveled to Buffalo within the AFC divisional playoffs. Snow fell through the sport, slickening the sector, however the Bengals did not flinch within the wintry circumstances and simply knocked the Payments out of the playoffs in a 27-10 win.

This Sunday, some snow showers are attainable, and it most likely will not heat a lot above freezing (if in any respect). Luckily, we’re not forecasting the lake-effect whiteouts we have seen prior to now. And we do not count on it to be tremendous windy.

Potential fantasy affect: The wind will not be an additional headache for both of the 2 quarterbacks, Joe Burrow or Josh Allen, so do not be involved about them or the large receivers and tight ends. Don’t be concerned in regards to the kickers, both. That mentioned, except the sport turns into a shootout, the Payments could hold it easy within the chilly and run James Prepare dinner III repeatedly towards the league’s last-rated Bengals protection.

(FULL FORECAST: Orchard Park, New York)

Chicago Bears at Inexperienced Bay Packers (3:25 p.m. CT)

Arguably, the sport of the week options two of the NFC’s high groups in a renewal of the NFL’s longest steady rivalry. It is the largest Bears-Packers sport in 12 years.

And true to the NFL’s coldest metropolis with an outside stadium, it should definitely be chilly for early December. Highs could wrestle to succeed in 20 levels Sunday, and wind chills could also be within the single digits. We will not rule out a flurry or temporary snow bathe, however we do not count on a lot snow.

So, it will not be practically as chilly as a December 2008 Bears-Packers sport at Chicago’s Soldier Area (1 diploma). Then once more, the groups play once more in Chicago on Saturday night time, Dec. 20.

Potential fantasy affect: A chilly sport like this and a much-improved offensive line argue for the Bears to lean on their speeding assault, second-best within the NFL. Nevertheless, they will face a Packers protection ranked fourth within the NFL, together with game-wrecking edge rusher Micah Parsons. A chilly sport can also lend itself to extra turnovers, and the Bears lead the league in each turnover differential (+17) and whole takeaways (26).

(FULL FORECAST: Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin)

Houston Texans at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (7:20 p.m. CT)

What would December be and not using a chilly sport at Arrowhead?

This one has a playoff really feel, because the Texans are sizzling, however nonetheless trailing two different groups of their division whereas the Chiefs are surprisingly 6-6 and combating to remain within the wild card hunt.

(Extra: Prime Ten NFL Climate Impacted Video games)

This will probably be acquainted territory for each groups. Kansas Metropolis beat the Texans twice within the playoffs in January 2020 and once more in 2025, coming from 24-0 behind to win that 2020 sport. Each video games had related climate to what we’re anticipating Sunday night time.

Potential fantasy affect: Sure, the Texans are used to both taking part in in heat climate or indoors at NRG Stadium. However nice protection tends to journey, and the Texans have the NFL’s primary protection proper now. On condition that, mood your expectations for the Chiefs’ fifth-ranked NFL offense. Chances are you’ll wish to do the identical for the Texans’ offense. This might be a lower-scoring sport.

(FULL FORECAST: Kansas Metropolis, Missouri)

Now that we bought the coldest video games out of the way in which, let’s discuss two potential moist video games.

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET)

That is an AFC South showdown wherein the winner can hold management of the division whereas the loser drops into the wild card scrum.

And for the Colts, losers of three of their final 4, accustomed to taking part in indoors at Lucas Oil Stadium, this wet forecast is the very last thing they want.

Showers are probably, and a thunderstorm can also be attainable. This sport could have an analogous really feel as final Sunday’s Rams-Panthers sport in Charlotte.

Potential fantasy affect: On the one hand, the rain and the Colts latest offensive struggles could power them to lean on star RB Jonathan Taylor, however it’s arduous to know if a moist area will harm or assist him. And he’s dealing with the league’s stingiest rush protection in Jacksonville. You are clearly beginning Taylor, however this one may be trickier than it seems.

(FULL FORECAST: Jacksonville, Florida)

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET)

For the second week in a row, the Saints will play in Florida, this time towards the division-leading Bucs.

It is probably not the extent of the 1979 monsoon on the “Huge Sombrero”, however the likelihood of thunderstorms through the sport is an x issue. It’s going to even be breezy, heat and humid for this divisional battle.

Potential fantasy affect: Chances are you’ll be tempted to start out all of your Bucs at residence vs. the 2-10 Saints. However whereas Bucs QB Baker Mayfield began the season as an MVP candidate, he hasn’t thrown for greater than 200 yards and 1 TD move prior to now 3 video games. And if taking part in in rain and on a moist area, that passing offense is probably not what you hope for.

(FULL FORECAST: Tampa, Florida)

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at climate.com and has been overlaying nationwide and worldwide climate since 1996. Excessive and weird climate are his favourite subjects. Attain out to him on Bluesky, X (previously Twitter) and Fb.

Tiffany Savona is a meteorologist for climate.com with greater than 15 years of expertise in forecasting the climate throughout the nation.