With the NFL officially back for the 2022 season, we break down the slate, see what the NFL weather forecast and report for Week 2 will be, and if any of your fantasy football players could be impacted.
As always, good luck. Stay safe. And let’s win the week.
Note: All times are Eastern Time, and the NFL Week 2 weather report will be updated if any changes happen from the time of writing to kickoff. The NFL weather forecast for Week 2 is based on reporting from the National Weather Service. All betting lines are from the NFL’s official website.
NFL Weather Report for Week 2: Chicago rain follows San Francisco
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-9), O/U 40.5 | Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET
Unlike last week — which seemed as if over half the country was playing in the rain — for the most part, it’s clear. While a few might see light rain, the only one which raises any flags from a weather concern standpoint is in San Francisco, where the Chicago rain apparently followed them to the bay.
Rain is expected to move into the area later in the night and stick around through Monday, saturating the area. If there is one benefit in the current weather forecast for Week 2, it is that we don’t expect to see it bucketing down, rather holding around the 0.02-0.04″ per hour range. Accompanying the rain will be some blustery conditions. Current forecasts are calling for sustained winds of 16 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 26 mph.
When you throw in this kind of weather with two teams who want to establish the run, don’t be surprised if we see the under coming into play. Unfortunately for fantasy, under totals mean low fantasy totals. Trey Lance can’t catch a break after he spent Week 1 in a waste park. Hopefully, last week helped prepared him and the team for Week 2. He’s a fringe QB1, but it’s another game where if he and the offense struggle, how much can we take away from it?
This does favor both running backs. Jeff Wilson Jr. is taking over for Elijah Mitchell, who suffered a sprained MCL on Sunday and will miss between 6-8 weeks. When Wilson is healthy, he’s one of the best running backs on the 49ers’ roster, especially in short-yardage situations. I also expect to see Deebo Samuel in his wide back role on Sunday, helping his floor but maybe not his ceiling unless those come in the red zone.
Keep an eye on Kenneth Walker III this week as well. The rookie is expected to make his much anticipated NFL debut after offseason hernia surgery placed him on the sidelines. Penny had a ton of burst last week, but now we get to see what this backfield will look like with both active.
Indianapolis Colts (-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars, O/U 45 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET
If you’re in Florida this time of year, chances are there is a decent shot of some rain. That’s no different in Jacksonville this weekend. While the 1 p.m. ET kickoff does place this right in the meat of the heaviest rain, the total is less than a tenth of an inch. It will make things a bit more humid, but temperatures should hold in the upper 80s but come with 10-14 mph winds.
Can Indy get the monkey off their back? The last time Indianapolis won in Jacksonville was in Week 3 of 2014. For context, Trent Richardson was playing RB, and Matt Hasselback saw some snaps for the Colts. If not now, when? With Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce out, expect a heavy diet for Jonathan Taylor, who has averaged 28.2 opportunities per game since Week 10 last season.
Also, watch out for Ashton Dulin to step up at receiver, but an even more under-the-radar name is Kylen Granson. The tight end led the Colts in routes run last week (29) while operating in the slot or out wide on 48.4% of his routes and saw a 14.3% target share (7). He’s a mid-TE2 for Week 2.
As for the Jaguars, start both Travis Etienne Jr. and James Robinson. They’re low-end RB3s at the moment, as we need to see more of this dynamic between them. Robinson looked sensational in Week 1, and Etienne could have joined him if not for two missed receiving touchdowns, one on an overthrow by Trevor Lawrence and one on a drop.
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (-9.5), O/U 47.5 | Monday 7:15 p.m. ET
I tend not to make any hard claims when it comes to weather that is over 48 hours away. Heck, it’s hard enough the day of, but Monday night games always leave room for changing weather forecasts.
There is rain in the forecast starting on Monday morning, but currently, it looks like it will end by kickoff at 7:15 p.m. ET. There is a chance of some wind (14-16 mph), but as with the rain, that could be out of there by game time or at least tape off for the second half.
Either way, I would not be using the weather forecast for Week 2 to be the deciding factor in any fantasy football decisions. If you have studs in this game, start them. I am lowering Derrick Henry a touch (RB8) due to how dominant the Bills currently appear.
As for the Bills, keep an eye on the status of Gabriel Davis, who was downgraded to a limited participant (ankle) on Saturday. Davis, if healthy, would hover around low-end WR1 territory. If he’s out, both Isaiah McKenzie and Jamison Crowder would likely see an increase in targets, with McKenzie the more desirable fantasy asset.
NFL Weather Report and forecast for Week 2 games: Worry-free weather
With a handful of games popping up on the radar due to rainy conditions, the rest of the Week 2 calendar should be smooth sailing weather-wise.
Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5), O/U 44.5 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET
Reports are saying J.K. Dobbins could be suiting up on Sunday, much to the delight of fantasy managers. However, I would urge you to exercise caution before firing him into your lineup. Though he’s progressed on schedule, Dobbins’ recovery has been hampered by the nature of his injury. In addition to his ACL, Dobbins also tore his LCL, meniscus, and hamstring.
Being “active” is not the same as being “healthy.” As with Saquon Barkley last year, we’ve seen that it can take running backs returning from ACL injuries quite a while to reach their pre-injury form. Dobbins might not hit 85-90% until midseason. You figured it out last week, you can do it again this week and get by without Dobbins.
As for the Week 2 weather forecast, expect sunny skies in Baltimore with temperatures around 85 degrees and nine mph winds.
New York Jets at Cleveland Browns (-6.5), O/U 39 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET
I hope you aren’t playing against Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt this week. Chubb carried the ball 22 times for 141 yards against the Panthers last week, where Hunt saw 15 touches himself with 70 total yards and two touchdowns.
This is an offense that relies on its rushing game and will do the same with Jacoby Brissett. Last year, the Jets were fourth in rushing yards, ninth in yards per attempt, and first in rushing touchdowns allowed. Additionally, New York was 25th in DVOA against pass-catching RBs, allowing the sixth-most receptions and second-most receiving yards. Giddy up.
Cleveland’s Week 2 weather forecast should feature sunny skies, nine mph winds, and highs near 85 degrees.
Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (-2), O/U 43.5 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET
Saquon. Barkley. Need I say more? I really hope you took advantage of his ADP as I did this year. There is zero reason I should have Jonathan Taylor and Barkley on one team, but this isn’t about me, it’s about how sensational Barkley was.
He played 83% of the snaps last week, racking up 24 touches with 194 total yards. He also ran a route on 75% of the dropbacks and saw a ridiculous 33% target share. Those are numbers we didn’t even see in his rookie year with Eli Manning.
Barkley now faces a Panthers defense that was gashed for 187 yards on the ground last week by the Browns. Barkley is a top-three running back for the rest of the season. He’s not a buy-low anymore but likely is undervalued.
As for the rest of the weather forecast in East Rutherford, expect mostly sunny skies, eight mph winds, and 84-degree temperatures.
New England Patriots (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers, O/U 40.5 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET
This game is just…bleh. Is that descriptive enough for you? Neither team looked good last week. The Steelers look just like the Steelers last year, which isn’t a great thing for the pass catchers, but Najee Harris is getting it the worst.
Harris played 59% of snaps last week, recording just 12 touches and 26 total yards. The most concerning aspect of Week 1 was his two targets and attempt rate of 39.4% routes run per pass. Nursing a foot injury, Harris is a mid-RB2 at best, but odds are you don’t have many better options given the draft capital.
For New England, Mac Jones is expected to play despite dealing with a back issue. Those are unpredictable and something I would stay away from. What I will be watching is to see who inherits the passing game role after Ty Montgomery was placed on IR. It could be rookie Pierre Strong Jr., the less desirable option for fantasy. Preferably, Rhamondre Stevenson sees an uptick in this area. With 15+ touch upside, Stevenson would become an intriguing RB2 rather than RB3.
Expect 84-degree temperatures, six mph winds, and sunny skies in Pittsburgh for Week 2.
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-10), O/U 45 | Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET
This is a bounce-back spot for the Denver Broncos. After playing in Seattle’s Super Bowl, they come back home and have a get-right game against the Houston Texans. If I have a Broncos player, I am starting them. Russell Wilson, Javontae Williams, Melvin Gordon, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and even Albert Okwuegbunam. All of them. I am also taking the over on both of their rushing props too.
For the Texans, Brandin Cooks should be just fine, but he does have a difficult matchup against Patrick Surtain Jr. With that said, Cooks is probably the most underrated WR in the league and comes in as the WR21.
Now, for the rushers, I’m staying away from Rex Burkhead. I know it worked last week for them, but even Lovie Smith said they messed up not getting the ball to Dameon Pierce. I see a concerted effort to get this happening in Week 2, and I don’t see Pierce letting this job get away from him. I’m not starting either, ideally, but Pierce is a high-end RB4 (RB37).
As for the weather forecast in Week 2, expect temperatures around 88 degrees and seven mph winds in Denver.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-9.5), O/U 41.5 | Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET
Sunday Night Football renews one of the best rivalries in the NFL as the Chicago Bears roll into Green Bay to take on the Packers. It’s hard to take much away from last week’s game for the Bears, given the conditions. There are some positives but more questions than answers, such as Justin Fields’ development and the offensive line.
For Green Bay, the best thing that could happen was Allen Lazard walking back in that door and being ready for Week 2. Last week, the Packers offense looked in shambles and like they never did anything substantial to replace the void left by the best receiver in the NFL. Lazard should be the top target for Aaron Rodgers. This game and my top plays were highlighted in my SNF Underdog Pick’em article as well for those looking for some extra fun.
Green Bay’s Week 2 weather forecast should feature cloudy skies, 11 mph winds, and highs near 79 degrees with a 30% chance of rain.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5), O/U 50.5 | Monday 8:30 p.m. ET
I love this game and can see why it’s on Monday Night Football as part of a rare doubleheader. It’s all about the passing games for me. For one, the Eagles look like the NFC East champs like I picked them to be. A.J. Brown is ridiculous. They showed in Week 1 why they traded for him. Brown saw a 44.8% target share, a 43.3% target-per-route-run rate, and a staggering 64.8% air-yard share. All. In.
Then, on the other side of the field, you have maybe the best receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, who is loving this new-look offense. Jefferson was the WR1 in fantasy last week with 39.4 fantasy points, catching nine passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Even without a massive contribution from Adam Thielen yet, Kirk Cousins is a sneaky QB1 for Week 2.
As for the weather forecast in Week 2, expect temperatures around 74 degrees and seven mph winds in Philadelphia.
Indoor games
Because these NFL games are indoors, the weather conditions can be controlled. As such, the only forecast and reports are that it will be optimal playing conditions for these teams. The passing and kicking game will not be affected.
- Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions (-1.9)
O/U 48.5 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) at New Orleans Saints
O/U 44 | Sunday 1 p.m. ET - Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams (-10)
O/U 46.5 | Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET - Cincinnati Bengals (-7) at Dallas Cowboys
O/U 42 | Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET - Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders (-5)
O/U 41.5 | Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET