In January, NFL weather always looms as a potential game-changer. We’ve seen heavily affected games in recent years, such as when offenses were stuck in neutral in Green Bay for Packers vs. 49ers last year. Here is our complete NFL playoffs conference championship weather report.
Last week, snow and sleet hit Kansas City and Buffalo. Both of these games ultimately saw the under come home comfortably; although, whether the weather had any impact on those results is up for debate.
The early forecast for conference championship week looks relatively clear. But, we could still see some snow and medium winds in Kansas City. Keep in mind these forecasts are always subject to change. Monitor potentially impactful situations as the week goes on to see how forecasts evolve.
Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs
For the divisional playoffs, some snow wound up falling in KC after initial forecasts leaned toward rain. The snow was on the heavier side, with something of a wintry mix falling in the pregame, perhaps not fully frozen.
Certainly, the Bengals did not seem remotely affected by the snow against the Bills. If anything, the snow may have helped them as the Bills defense seemed to find it tough to plant drive on their pass rushes, and they also had slow reaction times to several quick Joe Burrow passes. Ja’Marr Chase and Hayden Hurst often turned and ran before anyone got going to stop them.
Of course, any footwork issues could exacerbate Patrick Mahomes’ injury. The Chiefs will keep his situation under wraps, but it figures to help him move a bit more confidently if the conditions remain clear.
Currently, some medium-strength winds are in the forecast as well. We could see some deep balls sail or die on these QBs, especially with Mahomes’ lower body potentially compromised.
It will be cold, but these Midwest teams should be used to that sort of temperature. Note that the total here has dropped to a consensus 47 after opening as high as 49 in some places.
NFL Playoffs Weather: 10 F, 12% chance of snow, medium-strength winds at 10 to 15 mph
San Francisco 49ers At Philadelphia Eagles
Just not a whole lot to see here. The weather looks perfect for offense, but that seems to have been expected. The total opened at 45.5 at DraftKings Sportsbook and hasn’t budged at the time of writing.
Passing offenses should feast with warm weather (for the time of year) and little resistance from the elements. But given that both of these teams ranked among the top in rushing play rate (the Eagles fifth and the 49ers seventh), it’s anyone’s guess whether enough volume happens to take real advantage.
NFL Playoffs Weather: 50 F, 7% chance of precipitation, winds 5 to 10 mph
- Join TheLines free sports betting Discord channel.
