We have reached Sunday of Wild Card Weekend, and with games spread all over the country over the next 36 hours, there are plenty of different weather situations to consider. Whether it be snow in the northeast or rain and thunderstorms in Florida, Mother Nature has the potential to wreak havoc on NFL games.
Let’s examine the latest NFL weather forecast for Sunday’s three games and the potential impact on fantasy football and betting.
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills Weather
The National Weather Service‘s weather forecasts for the games are up to date as of 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. Data used in the article is courtesy of TruMedia unless stated. All kickoff times are ET.
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. Sunday
- Expected Temperature: Low 30s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 8-10 mph southwesterly
The NFL has somehow managed to schedule the game between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills in the only window where there is no snow in Buffalo over the next 48 hours. Depending on your feelings about the merits of a snow game depend on how you view that, but the NFL is likely breathing a sigh of relief. There is some snow forecast to fall before the game, but the volume should not impact kickoff.
If this game had been scheduled for Monday Night Football, then there could have been an issue, with more than two inches of snow forecast to fall prior to 8 p.m. ET on Monday and another inch of snow forecast to fall during the time that the game would be taking place.
Given that the NFL had to postpone last year’s Wild Card game from Sunday to Monday, they would have been very conscious of Buffalo weather. Therefore, we may never see a Buffalo home playoff game scheduled for either Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football, where a weather delay could be devastating to the NFL’s established playoff schedule.
In terms of the weather we do have forecast, there is very little to be concerned about from a betting or fantasy standpoint. Games played in wind speeds of 10 miles per hour or below and at temperatures around freezing have essentially been league average in scoring and fantasy output over the last decade.
If you are betting on this game or playing a DFS lineup, there is nothing to be concerned about when setting lineups.
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Weather
- Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. Sunday
- Expected Temperature: High 30s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 3-5 mph westerly
Other than being a touch chilly in Philadelphia, it looks like there will be good weather conditions when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Green Bay Packers.
The wind speed is essentially negligible, the temperature is perfectly comfortable, and no precipitation is forecast for the next 48 hours. Therefore, the weather doesn’t need to be considered when setting DFS lineups or betting on the game.
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Weather
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. Sunday
- Expected Temperature: Mid-50s
- Showers: <10% chance at kickoff
- Wind: 2-3 mph northerly
Whenever we have a game scheduled in Tampa Bay, there is always a risk of some rain and even thunderstorms impacting the game. However, things look to be completely clear for the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers showdown on Sunday night.
The temperature is essentially perfect for players and fans alike, and the lack of wind should result in no issues at all in terms of the way the game is played.
With two defenses that can be suspect at times, this game has the makings of being a shootout. The weather is playing ball on that front, so this is a game where DFS managers could target big scores. From a betting perspective, the over is very much in play in this one.