New Year’s Eve NFL games can often be heavily influenced by the weather, with wind, rain, and even snow starting to become an issue as we head toward the playoffs. From a fantasy football perspective, having the weather start to become a nuisance this late in the season can have a major impact on fantasy playoffs.
In our Week 17 NFL weather report, we will look at the forecasts for the 11 outdoor games on the slate Sunday and provide fantasy advice for how you should approach the games.
Week 17 NFL Weather Report and Fantasy Impact
Weather forecasts are up to date as of 10:55 a.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Forecasts for the games are from the National Weather Service.
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: High-30s
- Showers: 30% chance of snow and rain at kickoff increasing throughout the game
- Wind: 6 mph southwesterly
It seems like we cannot have a year where a game of football between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots does not get impacted by the weather. This time around it is the potential for snow falling during the game that could cause concern. The current Buffalo forecast is for around a 50% chance of snow at kickoff, increasing throughout the game.
The current predicted levels of snowfall during the game itself are in the 0.1 to 0.5 inches region, but there is expected to be a significant amount of snow later in the day. If that forecast shifts, we could see the second half of the game heavily impacted by snow fall, so this is a game to keep an eye on.
For those of you already nervous about starting Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis in your fantasy championships, this may well be the final straw. At least on the New England side, there was likely no pass catcher outside of Hunter Henry you were relying on in your lineups.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Low-30s
- Showers: 65% chance of snow at kickoff
- Wind: 10 mph westerly with gusts up to 20 mph
The other potential snow game this week, based on current forecasts could come up in Chicago. Again, the predicted level of snowfall is not expected to be more than half an inch, so that in itself should not be a major issue. The bigger problem may be if the snow is accompanied by gusts up to 20 mph.
That combination of weather is not ideal for passing or kicking games. Players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts very well could be further downgraded in our PFN Consensus Fantasy Rankings if this forecast holds.
The most intriguing name is probably DJ Moore, who many would have as a fringe starter. We may need to wait to see the actual weather ahead of the game before making a final decision.
Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Mid-40s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 7 mph westerly
Fortunately, there should be no weather concerns for the big AFC No. 1 seed battle in Baltimore.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
There could be a lot of fantasy relevance in this game with the likes of Raheem Mostert, Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Lamar Jackson, Justin Tucker, and Gus Edwards. Therefore, it is a huge relief that we should not have any issues in terms of the weather in that game.
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Low-60s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 8 mph westerly
The story is similar down in Jacksonville, where there should be nothing more than some light wind and comfortable temperatures. However, a matchup between Bryce Young and C.J. Beathard is likely not a place that too many fantasy championships will want to be decided.
Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Low-40s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 10 mph westerly
The wind could be a minor issue in MetLife if it does get above 10 mph, but we are not talking about anything too major. This game has sneaky shootout vibes, with the Los Angeles Rams offense getting hot and Tyrod Taylor under center for the New York Giants. There could be plenty of fantasy points scored in this matchup, with the weather set fair.
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Low-40s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 10 mph westerly
The story is similar in Lincoln Financial Field for another NFC West vs. NFC East matchup. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals should be able to have some success against the other’s defense, so thankfully, some mildly elevated winds are the biggest issue. This could be a very entertaining game, even if the final score does not end up that close.
San Francisco 49ers at Washington Commanders | Sunday, 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: High-40s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 7 mph southwesterly
Let’s make it three in a row for West vs. East in the NFC and a third game with no weather issues. That will be a huge relief for managers with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy because the Washington Commanders’ defense is a disaster. If you have a 49ers player on your roster, lock them in and hope the points start flowing.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Mid-60s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 6 mph southwesterly
Did you expect anything other than beautiful Sunday NFL weather down in Tampa Bay? With the temperatures dropping, tropical storms are fewer, and we are left with lovely football conditions. This game also has the potential to provide a lot of fantasy value in a must-win game for both sides.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks | 4:05 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: High-40s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 1 mph northwesterly
Lumen Field has not delivered for us in terms of wild weather this year. It can often be a bit wet and windy up in the Pacific Northwest, but we have not seen any signs of that this year. Today will be the same, and it should make for an intriguing battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos | 4:25 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Low-40s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 5 mph northeasterly
A weather report containing snow and Denver isn’t getting in on the act? Scandalous behavior from Empower Field and the Rocky Mountains.
MORE: Kyle Soppe’s Week 17 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
This is as close to as good as the weather gets in Denver at this time of the year. While it won’t be wet and windy, there should also be some sky cover, so the sun should not cause too many issues for punt returners and receivers.
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs | 4:25 p.m.
- Expected Temperature: Mid-30s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 11 mph northwesterly
The final outdoor game of the week comes from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and other than a bit of wind and some cold temperatures, things are looking clear. That is great news for fantasy managers leaning on Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Harrison Butker, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
Games Played in Stadiums With a Retractable Roof
- Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans | Sunday, 1 p.m.
- Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts | Sunday, 1 p.m.
- Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings | Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!