Nothing can derail a fantasy football team’s performance quite like bad weather. Rain, heat, cold, and wind can majorly impact players’ performance on the field. Here’s a weather report for every NFL game across Sunday and Monday so managers can make the best lineup decisions.
What Is the Fantasy Impact of the Week 14 NFL Weather?
Weather information was taken from Weather.com at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. In-depth stats are courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: Low 30s
- Showers: 67%
- Wind: 9 mph WSW
At the time of writing, snow is forecast for most of the day in Buffalo, with temperatures around freezing. Both defenses have struggled to defend the run this season and are among only four defenses to have allowed more than five yards per carry this year.
That’s unlikely to improve in the wintery conditions, and another monster game for James Cook could be on the cards. Cook has totaled over 100 scrimmage yards in nine of his 12 games this season, while the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has given up a league-high 410 total yards per game.
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: Mid 30s
- Showers: 39%
- Wind: 11 mph WSW
Conditions aren’t a lot better in Cleveland, where the Tennessee Titans visit the Cleveland Browns. This game doesn’t scream fantasy production, with Quinshon Judkins the only must-start player set to feature.
The Titans have allowed 4.6 yards per carry this season, the eighth-most in the NFL. The Titans are also the lowest-scoring team in the NFL, and with the Browns’ defense in form, there is a strong chance of a positive game script for Judkins this weekend.
Harold Fannin Jr. is another potential fantasy option, having put up five top-12 weeks this season. Overall, though, these teams rank 31st and 32nd in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric this season, and there’re likely better places to look for fantasy production.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: High 50s
- Showers: 99%
- Wind: 8 mph NNE
There are multiple games this weekend that carry enormous divisional implications. Among them is the AFC South matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars. Jakobi Meyers is a must-start at WR3 or flex, having been targeted six times in three consecutive games, and scoring a touchdown in each of his last two.
With Parker Washington questionable to return from a hip injury he suffered last week, Brenton Strange could also be a great streaming option at tight end. You could be forgiven for sitting Michael Pittman after three down weeks, while Alec Pierce should be making your lineup after three top-15 fantasy finishes in his last four games.
If you’re desperate for a flex, Bhayshul Tuten is only 41% rostered in Yahoo leagues. He hasn’t seen a lot of work unless the Jaguars are clearly ahead, but he is getting goal-line work and has three touchdowns in his last five games. The rookie is also explosive at the second level and is a home-run threat in what is forecasted to be a rainy afternoon.
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: Low 40s
- Showers: 0%
- Wind: 6 mph WSW
Conditions should be relatively calm in East Rutherford this Sunday, when the Miami Dolphins visit the New York Jets. The Miami offense still runs through three players: Tua Tagovailoa, De’Von Achane, and Jaylen Waddle. However, Darren Waller has been a go-to target for his quarterback around the end zone and is a high-upside waiver option.
The Jets’ passing game has improved dramatically since Tyrod Taylor took over at quarterback. Adonai Mitchell has proven hard to trust, but was a priority waiver target this week and is a low-floor/high-ceiling option this week.
If you need a replacement for Drake Maye, Brock Purdy, Bryce Young, or Jaxson Dart, who are all on bye this weekend, Taylor is a great option on waivers.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: Low 40s
- Showers: 2%
- Wind: 5 mph SW
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are level atop the AFC North with six wins. However, both teams are two wins behind the three teams entering the weekend occupying the AFC’s wild-card spots, giving this game immense importance.
The Steelers gave up almost 250 rushing yards to the Bills in Week 13, and will again be without rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon this Sunday. That should open things up for Derrick Henry, who has largely disappointed this year.
The Steelers haven’t defended the pass well this season, either, allowing 247.4 passing yards per game, the fifth-most in the league. The Ravens offense has struggled, though, making this an ugly game on paper, but the usual playmakers are still better bets than what you likely have on your bench.
Those needing a tight end could look to Isaiah Likely, who made this week’s “streamers” article after catching five of six targets for 95 yards last week.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: High 70s
- Showers: 15%
- Wind: 11 mph SW
The best weather of the week is expected in Tampa, as the New Orleans Saints face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Devin Neal has been a popular option off the waiver wire with Alvin Kamara sidelined, but he’ll have far easier matchups than this one.
The Buccaneers have allowed 100+ total rushing yards in only three of their games this season, and have struggled far more against the pass. That should suit Tyler Shough, who may not be the Saints’ long-term quarterback solution, but hasn’t been afraid to sling it.
Chris Olave is a must-start, while Juwan Johnson and Devaughn Vele are surprisingly solid fantasy options on volume alone. Mike Evans remains sidelined, but all of the other usual faces for Tampa Bay are playable in a game they should win comfortably.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
- Kickoff: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: High to mid-teens
- Showers: 2%
- Wind: 9 mph NNW
The coldest game of the week comes, unsurprisingly, at Lambeau Field, in the most meaningful matchup between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in recent memory. The Packers have defended the run well this season, but the wintery conditions, Ben Johnson’s play-calling, and the absence of Devonte Wyatt could change that.
D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are both must-starts after both players topped 120 rushing yards against the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday. Rome Odunze won’t suit up, so Chicago’s other pass-catching weapons get a boost.
On Green Bay’s side, Jayden Reed could be in line to make his first appearance since Week 1, but he would be a risky start in fantasy, having missed such significant time. Tyrique Stevenson is also out for Chicago, which should help Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs in the receiving game.
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
- Kickoff: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Expected Temperature: High 20s
- Showers: 4%
- Wind: 7 mph NNE
The Kansas City Chiefs can’t keep losing if they’re to make the playoffs, and they face another potential wild-card rival this weekend. The Houston Texans are one win off the pace in the race for the AFC’s top seven spots, and one win ahead of the Chiefs.
On a cold night at Arrowhead, against an elite Texans defense, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice are the only must-starts for Kansas City. Kareem Hunt is unlikely to get you much with his yardage, but he still carries his weekly touchdown upside.
For Houston, Nico Collins remains a must-start, while Jayden Higgins is emerging as a valuable flex play, and Dalton Schultz is a good streaming option if needed at tight end. Woody Marks and Nick Chubb have both done very little of late, and can both be overlooked in fantasy in a make-or-break Week 14.
Games Played in Domes or Stadiums With Retractable Roofs
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons | Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings | Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders | Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals | Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers | Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
