We have had to wait until the very end of the 2023-24 NFL season, but the cold weather looks set to wreak havoc this week. The first outdoor game of the week will see the Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers in M&T Bank Stadium.
Will the Baltimore weather make for an intriguing twist to a crucial game in determining the AFC playoff picture, with snow and high winds possible on Saturday? Additionally, what knock-on effect could that weather in the Steelers vs. Ravens game have on Week 18 fantasy championships?
What Is the Baltimore Weather Forecast for the Steelers vs. Ravens Game?
- Temperature: High-30s
- Precipitation: >90% chance of rain throughout and slight chance of snow prior to the game
- Wind: 14 mph sustained easterly winds with gusts up to 21 mph
The weather forecast is from the National Weather Service and correct as of 3 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 5.
There is a lot to impact with the weather for the Steelers vs. Ravens matchup, but the good news is that it could have been much worse. Had this game been a 1 p.m. ET kickoff, it would likely have been played in relatively sustained snowfall. As it is, the snow is expected to stop between 3 and 4 p.m. ET, so the field should be clear by kickoff.
Of course, it is worth acknowledging that this could quickly change. There is very little temperature change between when the snow falls during the morning and early afternoon compared to when it turns to rain just before kickoff. Therefore, we could easily yet see snow falling throughout the game, creating potential havoc.
Even if there is no snow, it is expected that as much as 0.8 inches of rain could fall between 1 and 7 p.m., which is not an inconsiderable amount, especially when it comes with close to freezing temperatures and the potential for wind gusts over 20 mph.
Those conditions could have a major impact on both the kicking game and the deep passing game. The wind should die down somewhat in the second half of the game, so the conditions should ease for the latter part of the game. However, the remain will remain, and it will be tough playing conditions for the players.
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This weather could very easily depress scoring, especially in the first half. The first-half under, accompanied by the second-half over, could well be an intriguing play in this game based on the current forecasts.
However, that would be a bet to wait until right before kickoff tomorrow to place when we have the latest weather.
Should Fantasy Managers Avoid George Pickens or Diontae Johnson This Week?
Realistically, it is hard to rust any Ravens players for your fantasy lineups this week, but it could also be risky to lean on George Pickens or Diontae Johnson. Pickens has been a huge fantasy asset in the last two weeks, topping 100 yards on both occasions and adding two touchdowns in Week 16.
In those two games, Pickens has posted 326 receiving yards and two touchdowns from 11 receptions for a fantasy return of over 44 points across all formats. Unfortunately, if wind, rain, and potentially snow make deep passing tough, Pickens could be the one to suffer the most.
Johnson has had mixed success with Mason Rudolph under center. He had just two receptions for 15 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals but bounced back with a 76-yard performance on four receptions against the Seattle Seahawks. He should be less impacted than Pickens by any adverse weather but could still struggle to return double digits in PPR this week.
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