- The NFL regular season wraps up on Saturday, Jan. 4, and Sunday, Jan. 5, and weather could be a factor in multiple games
- Freezing temperatures are expected in Baltimore, Denver, Foxborough, Green Bay, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh
- See the weather forecast for all Week 18 games plus insights on which game totals to target based on the forecast
The final week of the NFL regular season takes place this Saturday and Sunday, and as is often the case late in the season, the weather is expected to be severe in multiple stadiums. The table below lists the forecast (temperature, precipitation, and wind) for all games on the Week 18 schedule.
NFL Week 18 Weather Forecasts
Matchup | Temperature (F) | Rain/Snow | Wind | Date/Time | Current Total (Opening) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Browns vs Ravens | 30.2° | 20% chance of precipitation | 15 mph (up to 22 mph gusts) | Saturday, 4:30 pm ET | O/U 41.5 (41.5) |
Bengals vs Steelers | 19.4° | 30% chance of precipitation | 10 mph (up to 17 mph gusts) | Saturday, 8 pm ET | O/U 48.5 (48.5) |
Giants vs Eagles | 32.0° | 10% chance of precipitation | 13 mph (up to 19 mph gusts) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 37.5 (38.5) |
Bears vs Packers | 15.8° | 0% chance of precipitation | 16 mph (up to 23 mph gusts) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 41.5 (42.5) |
Panthers vs Falcons | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 48.5 (48.5) |
Saints vs Buccaneers | 69.8° | 0% chance of precipitation | 8 mph (up to 12 mph gusts) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 43.5 (42.5 ) |
Commanders vs Cowboys | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 44.5 (47.5) |
Jaguars vs Colts | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 43.5 (44.5) |
Texans vs Titans | 39.2° | 100% chance of precipitation (3.2mm) | 9 mph (up to 14 mph gusts) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 36.5 (36.5) |
Bills vs Patriots | 30.2° | 20% chance of precipitation | 17 mph (up to 26 mph gusts) | Sunday, 1 pm ET | O/U 36.5 (41.5) |
Chiefs vs Broncos | 28.4° | 20% chance of precipitation | 2 mph (up to 3 mph gusts) | Sunday, 4:25 pm ET | O/U 39.5 (40.5) |
49ers vs Cardinals | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 4:25 pm ET | O/U 42.5 (46.5) |
Dolphins vs Jets | 34° | 10% chance of precipitation | 11 mph (up to 17 mph gusts) | Sunday, 4:25 pm ET | O/U 39.5 (41.5) |
Seahawks vs Rams | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 4:25 pm ET | O/U 38.5 (44.5) |
Chargers vs Raiders | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 4:25 pm ET | O/U 40.5 (42.5) |
Vikings vs Lions | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | N/A (Indoor) | Sunday, 8:20 pm ET | O/U 56.5 (52.5) |
Weather forecasts from The Weather Network as of 11:30 am ET, Friday, Jan. 3.
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“Frozen Tundra” Will Be Just That
The lowest temperatures in the forecast are, to no one’s surprise, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, where the mercury is expected to be at just 15° Fahrenheit when the Packers (11-5, 6-2 home) host the Chicago Bears (4-12, 0-7 away). The forecast doesn’t call for snow but there will be wind gusts up to 23 mph.
The forecast hasn’t affected the spread; Green Bay opened as 10-point home favorites over a Chicago team that hasn’t won on the road all year, and that’s where the line remains. It has, however, impacted the game total: after opening at 42.5, the Bears/Packers total is down as low as 41.0 at DraftKings.
Texans/Titans Will Be Wet and Cold
When it comes to precipitation, the Texans/Titans game is likely to be the most affected. The temperatures aren’t quite going to be freezing (39.2°) but will be plenty cold, while the forecast says a 100% chance of precipitation with 3.2mm expected to fall in the hour after kickoff.
Houston/Tennessee already opened with the lowest total on the board last Sunday (36.5) as the Texans – who have already clinched the AFC South – are expected to rest the better part of their starters in a meaningless game. The total has come up half a point to 37.0 at some books.
Bills vs Patriots Is Going to Be Windy
The windiest game in the forecast is Bills vs Patriots in Foxborough, where 17 mph winds are expected with gusts up to 26 mph. Buffalo/New England opened with a total of 41.5 last Sunday and that has since moved to just 36.5.
While the weather is a factor in that line movement, the Bills are also among the NFL teams resting starters in Week 18. Josh Allen is slated to start but Mitch Trubisky is expected to handle the majority of snaps.
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As we head into Week 18 of the NFL season, weather conditions can play a significant role in determining which games may offer the best opportunities for fantasy football success. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best game totals to target based on the latest weather forecasts.
One game that stands out as a potential high-scoring affair is the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. The game is set to take place at Arrowhead Stadium, where weather conditions are expected to be clear with temperatures in the mid-30s. The Chiefs have one of the most explosive offenses in the league led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, while the Broncos have shown they can put up points as well. With a high over/under total, this game could be a goldmine for fantasy points.
Another game to keep an eye on is the showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers. The game will be played in Tampa, where temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s with clear skies. Both teams have potent offenses, with the Buccaneers boasting one of the best passing attacks in the league led by quarterback Tom Brady. The Panthers have also shown they can put up points, making this game another potential shootout.
In addition to these games, matchups like the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars could also provide ample fantasy opportunities. Both games are set to take place in domed stadiums, ensuring that weather will not be a factor. The Rams and 49ers have strong offenses, while the Colts are facing a Jaguars team that has struggled on defense all season.
When targeting games for fantasy purposes, it’s important to consider not only the talent of the players involved but also the weather conditions that could impact scoring. By keeping an eye on the latest weather forecasts and targeting games with high over/under totals, fantasy football players can increase their chances of success in Week 18.