The NFL and the world of fantasy football head into Week 6 with our weekly weather report. Who doesn’t need more information to stress over? We break down the NFL slate, the weather forecast and report for Week 6, and if any of your fantasy football players could be impacted.
As always, good luck. Stay safe. And let’s win this week.
Note: All times are Eastern Time, and the NFL Week 6 weather report will be updated if any changes happen from the time of writing to kickoff. The NFL weather forecast for Week 6 is based on reporting from the National Weather Service. All betting lines are from the NFL’s official website.
NFL Weather Report and Forecast for Week 6: Gusty winds in the early window
Before we get into this whole thing, does anyone else have this weird feeling about the week? I mean, I just have this weird feeling we might be in for an odd week, and that’s saying something if you think about it. It might be all ado about nothing, and this is nothing more than six cups of coffee and rambling after writing six other articles before this one. But just in case, be on high alert. It’s spooky season, after all.
Speaking of high alert, the weather. I’m going to lump these games into a similar category as it’s pointless to split hairs. No single game raises any red flags to me. At least nothing on the level of when the first question someone at the bar asks me is about my sign.
All of these games will have sustained winds under the 15-20 mph window — the threshold we start to see a noticeable impact. However, gusts could come into play, but it all depends on when. If it comes when someone is carrying the ball, no one cares. If it hits on a crosswind when a kick is in midair, then it matters (not like kickers need extra help missing after a record-setting weekend in Week 5).
Enough chit-chatting, off to Cleveland for the only game that is moderately interesting weather-wise.
Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns (-3.5), O/U 48.5 | Sunday 4:05 PM ET
Of the 13 remaining games in the Week 6 slate, this is the sole slugfest with any weather worth hitting on. As I said, a lot of games are being grouped together. The wind off Lake Erie will be blowing, but nowhere near the levels we saw in those two weeks last season.
Sustained winds will be around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts creeping in on 30 mph at its hardest. Kickoff being at 4:05 ET local time will help get the game out of the strongest winds of the day. Outside of the winds, expect 60-degree temperatures that will feel like the low 40s with partly cloudy skies.
These teams are who they are. The Browns want to run the ball, and despite Nick Chubb being ruled out, they still have Kareem Hunt, who is a top-four option in Week 6 for fantasy.
The Cardinals — the only undefeated team remaining — enter as +3.5 road dogs. The storyline is the loss of head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who tested positive for COVID-19. He is out for the game, which means the Cardinals’ play-caller will be watching the game from his sweet pad that made us all jealous during the draft.
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5), O/U 51 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
At the time of kickoff, winds will be around 8 to 12 mph sustained but will have gusts that could reach 23 to 28 mph at times, which is why I am listing it. Outside of that, expect the weather in Baltimore to be around 63 degrees but feel closer to 45 with mostly sunny skies.
Did anyone have Lamar Jackson on their team last week and lose? That would have been a feat as Jackson gave us one of the top 25 QB performances of all time. He became the first QB ever to complete 85% of his passes with over 400 passing yards.
Also, those who are starting Mike Williams in Week 6, be very, very careful. Yes, he is usually a must-start, but after missing practice all week (knee), there is a chance he misses the game. Even if he does play, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him used as a decoy. They did the same thing with Keenan Allen in Week 15 last season. He came in a game-time decision, and they gave him the public go-ahead. Subsequently, Allen played on 36% of the snaps, finishing with just 1 catch for 17 yards on 3 targets. Major red flags for me.
Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) at Washington Football Team, O/U 54 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
At FedExField, It’ll be around 63 degrees with 9 to 15 mph sustained winds and gusts hitting 25 mph.
Who is Taylor Heinicke going to throw to in Week 6? McLaurin did not participate in Friday’s practice due to a hamstring injury and is questionable. Logan Thomas is on IR, as is Curtis Samuel. You’re looking at Adam Humphries, Dyami Brown, and Ricky Seals-Jones to potentially lead the passing game with help from J.D. McKissic. That group has to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Green Bay Packers (-5) at Chicago Bears, O/U 44 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
Want to guess why this game is here? Yup, wind gusts that likely won’t amount to too much. It’ll be chilly, but that won’t bother either of these teams. 64-degree temperatures will feel like upper 30s thanks to 12-14 mph winds with gusts between 20-26 mph at times. Think about it this way — at least Mason Crosby can’t have a worse game, right?
Are we sure Bill Lazor has taken over play-calling duties, or is Matt Nagy just wearing a mask on the sidelines? Since “taking over,” Fields has just 37 passing attempts and 6 rushes. In Week 4, he threw for 209 yards and followed it with 111 in Week 5. Maybe this is the week where he gets it going. I want to see it. Plus, that means Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney would be worth starting, and my goodness, my fantasy teams need that to happen quickly.
Los Angeles Rams (-9) at New York Giants, O/U 48.5 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
63 degrees feeling more like 45. 13 mph winds. 20 to 24 mph gusts. You get the drill by now.
Well, would you look at that? Those are receivers I see on the starting rosters for the Giants! Believe it or not, the Giants are starting to get healthy … kinda. Sterling Shepard is back and does not carry a designation, but Kadarius Toney, fresh off a 189-yard performance in Week 5, is questionable (ankle). Darius Slayton is a game-time decision (hamstring), and Kenny Golladay is out (knee). Like I said, kind of healthy.
Also, if for some reason Toney can’t go the whole game, what’s the reasoning? Was it a flare-up of his ankle or a flare-up of his tempers due to Jalen Ramsey? Anyone who throws a punch when you are the last man standing and having a breakout game is officially a wild card. Ramsey can get under the skin of WRs in a way that makes Cortland Finnegan envious.
NFL Weather Report and Forecast for Week 6 games: Worry-free NFL weather
With a handful of games popping up on the radar due to gusty winds, the rest of the Week 6 calendar should be smooth sailing weather-wise.
Miami Dolphins (-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars, O/U 47.5 | Sunday 9:30 AM ET
*MIA vs. JAX is being played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
Welcome back, Tua Tagovailoa. Now, have fun with a depleted WR corps. Will Fuller is on IR (finger). DeVante Parker is out (shoulder/hamstring); Preston Williams is dealing with a groin injury he picked up midweek. If there was ever a game for Jaylen Waddle to go off, this is the time. He is a mid-WR3 for me this week who could see double-digit targets.
As for the Week 6 weather in London, it expects to be 50 degrees, partly cloudy, with 4 mph winds.
Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers, O/U 45 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
I am Le sad. I just want to see Christian McCaffrey do Christian McCaffrey things on the field — I feel like I have earned that. We have earned that. Okay, maybe that’s over the top, but you get my drift.
Unfortunately, the Panthers have placed McCaffrey on the IR, and he will now miss the next three games at a minimum. He can return in Week 9. Looking at the upcoming schedule, the Panthers have games against the Vikings, then the Giants and Falcons. Chuba Hubbard is a solid RB2, with Royce Freeman likely needing to be added.
Yes, that’s where we are now — especially with the Bills, Cowboys, Jaguars, Chargers, Vikings, and Steelers having their byes next week. It’s the bye-pocalypse.
The Week 6 weather forecast in Charlotte should feature sunny skies, 7 to 10 mph winds, and highs near 68 degrees.
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-4), O/U 43.5 | Sunday 4:25 PM ET
One of two things will happen. One, the Raiders will come together in the wake of their disgraced coach’s abhorrent comments. Or two, they get starched by the Broncos. There is no in-between in a situation like this. I would not feel comfortable starting a single Raiders player not named Darren Waller for fantasy.
As for the rest of the weather forecast in Denver, expect sunny skies, 7 mph winds, and 75-degree temperatures.
Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) at New England Patriots, O/U 50 | Sunday 4:25 PM ET
Remember when the Patriots were that heartbroken lover that saw their ex be successful post-breakup and changed everything about themselves? When they went out and spent all that money window shopping, trying to make everyone believe they had moved on?
Yeah, about that.
I guess I didn’t know that watching your former QB go on to win a title would make you spend $50 million on a blocking tight end. Jonnu Smith has 30 yards or less in four straight games, and despite playing on 63% of the snaps, ran just 6 routes. Smith is droppable in all formats.
Expect 63-degree temperatures, 8 mph, and partly sunny skies in Foxborough for Week 6.
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5), O/U 42.5 | Sunday 8:20 PM ET
With Russell Wilson and Chris Carson both ruled out, it falls on Geno Smith and Alex Collins to fill the voids. My best advice. Don’t get too cute with either player. Smith played okay as a fill-in, but the Steelers have spent all week knowing he would be the guy.
As for Collins, he had an inefficient 15-for-47 in Week 5 and takes on a Steelers defense fourth in points per game to RBs (16.26) and the only team yet to allow a TD to a running back.
As for the weather forecast in Week 6, expect temperatures in Pittsburgh around 52 degrees and 7 mph winds.
Buffalo Bills (-5.5) at Tennessee Titans, O/U 53 | Monday 8:15 PM ET
If not for the Cardinals being 5-0, the Bills are the best team in football. They got the monkey off their back last week, knocking off the Chiefs. Odds are, a trip to the Super Bowl runs through Orchard Park. Invest in folding tables — stock now for profits down the road.
As for the rest of the weather forecast in Nashville, expect clear skies, calm winds, and 60-degree temperatures.
Week 6 indoor games
The teams below will play in optimal conditions, and there will be no effect on the passing and kicking game.
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (-10)
O/U 43 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Detroit Lions
O/U 46.5 | Sunday 1:00 PM ET
Week 6 bye week teams
The following teams have a bye in Week 6. Be sure to double-check lineups to remove any impacted players.