It was a pretty quiet week for all things weather-related in Week 5, which is always a welcome thing. As we move further into the year (October already!), the chances of bad weather affecting games are going to rise. As always, remember that weather is just one factor of the fantasy football calculus. Match-ups, injuries, etc, all play an important role along with the field conditions.
Now, onto Week 6!
International Game (London)
Denver Broncos @ New York Jets
LOW impact. The international games continue, and much like the previous ones, this is shaping up to be a pleasant weather day. I’m expecting mostly cloudy conditions, with winds in the high single digits, and temperatures in the mid-60s. No issues, start all your usual players.
Sunday Early Afternoon Games
Los Angeles Chargers @ Miami Dolphins
LOW impact. There will be a good amount of rain down in Miami on Saturday night, but that will be all moved out well before gametime. For the game, expect sunny skies, winds in the single digits, and temperatures in the mid-80s. Start everyone as normal.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
MEDIUM impact. Expect some rain showers throughout the game. Nothing too severe, but annoying. Additionally, the winds will be slightly increased with expected speeds in the low teens. These types of conditions won’t hamper the passing game too much, but will likely have teams more focused on the run game and short passes.
Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers
MEDIUM impact. Partly cloudy skies and no rain expected throughout the game. However, we do need to be aware of the winds. Sustained wind speeds will be in the low to mid-teens, with gusts hitting the low 20s. Those wind speeds shouldn’t impact short or mid-field passes, but potentially with longer passes and with kickers, we will see some issues. Stick with your studs, but for the kickers, consider alternatives that are playing in better conditions.
Seattle Seahawks @ Jacksonville Jaguars
LOW impact. Another game with no rain and partly cloudy skies, but with slightly stronger winds. I’m not pushing this one up to MEDIUM due to the fact that I don’t see the gusts going as high as the Caroline game. Sustained speeds will be in the low-teens with gusts reaching the high-teens. Check the pre-game conditions and be ready to flex with your kickers if the conditions get worse.
Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens
HIGH impact. I take back everything I said last week about the NFL having a weather-controlling machine. 80% chance of rain throughout the game, along with some strong winds. Sustained winds will be in the upper teens with gusts into the low-30s. It’s impossible to recommend benching Puka Nacua, but temper your expectations for him. This game will likely have a heavy dosage of running, as the passing game will be impacted. Downgrade all QBs, WRs, and kickers
Sunday Late Afternoon Games
San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LOW impact. Expect mostly clear skies, calm winds, and temperatures in the low-80s during kickoff. Shaping up to be a beautiful day in Tampa, in fact, it’s so nice that this will be my “GOOD WEATHER GAME OF THE WEEK”. Start all your studs.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
LOW impact. Mostly sunny skies, with a high temperature during the game in the upper-60s. Winds are looking a little stronger, with sustained speeds in the upper single-digits and gusts hitting the high-teens. I don’t think those will be enough to significantly impact the passing game. Kickers may be impacted, but the timing of a field goal attempt being blown off course by a gust is pretty small (if that does happen, then you have bad luck, my friend). Don’t make any adjustments unless you have another kicker that is playing inside or has a game with no winds expected.
Sunday Night Game
Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs
LOW impact. There will be some clouds, no rain, and slightly increased winds. Similar to the Green Bay game, expecting some gusts into the upper-teens throughout gametime. Don’t make any huge adjustments to your roster based on the weather; even with the increased winds, there will be plenty of opportunity for the kickers on both teams.
Monday Night Game
Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders
MEDIUM impact. There will be a chance of rain showers throughout much of the game. The good news is that they don’t look too significant, so it shouldn’t cause too many issues. Bumping this up to medium due to the potential of rain plus the winds. Wind speeds will be sustained in the low teens, with occasional gusts to the low 20s. Again, the same as the rest of the games this week with similar impacts: don’t bench your studs, but if you have suitable alternatives in better conditions, it may be wise to flex to them.
Best of luck to your team in the week ahead!
