Last week was a mild one in terms of weather worries, but the early Week 3 NFL weather forecast calls for a good amount of wind and a fair amount of rain. RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth is here to help us break down all the key weather updates before fantasy football owners lock in their start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
Before we get into the Week 3 forecasts, here's a reminder that if you have any questions about sports weather or how weather could impact play (and, potentially, your fantasy, DFS, and gambling decisions), don't hesitate to reach out to RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth on Twitter (@KevinRothWx) or check out the hourly NFL weather forecasts on RotoGrinders. To take your game to the next level, subscribe to RotoGrinders' exclusive WeatherEdge tool and see how different weather conditions have impacted historical scoring.
Note: If a game isn't mentioned below, it's because it doesn't even have 10-mph winds or a 20-percent chance of precipitation in the forecast.
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
NFL Week 3 weather forecast and updates
Forecasts courtesy of Kevin Roth at RotoGrinders
Colts @ Ravens. There's around a 30-percent chance of rain and winds in the 15-20-mph range for this one. We're not too worried about the precipitation, but the wind could mildly affect the passing and kicking games. We'd still start Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Michael Pittman Jr., and Justin Tucker, but there's no need to take any other unnecessary risks. (Update: It now looks like there will be a higher chance of rain but slightly milder winds. We're a little less excited about Pittman, but Jackson and Andrews remain must-starts.)
Saints @ Packers. There's also a relatively small chance of rain for this game, but with winds expected in the 15-25-mph range, it could be somewhat dicey for the passing and kicking games. We'd still start Chris Olave and probably Michael Thomas, but everyone else takes a slight hit in value.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Patriots @ Jets. Here's yet another game with 30-percent chance of rain and 15-mph winds. It's not expected to be as gusty as the first two games, so we're not worried as much about the passing or kicking games. Still, it's probably best to sit the kickers and give the D/STs slight upgrades. Garrett Wilson remains a must-start. (Update: The chance for rain -- and even potentially heavy rain -- has increased, so expect this game to remain wet. Hunter Henry and Garrett Wilson are really the other players to consider from either passing game, and even they are risky given the conditions and defenses.)
Broncos @ Dolphins. There isn't supposed to be much wind for this game, but there is a 50-percent chance of rain. As long as there isn't a sudden downpour, the key players in these high-powered passing games should be fine, so we'll have to check the forecast closer to kickoff.
WEEK 3 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Texans @ Jaguars. Any game in Florida has a chance for spotty showers, but this game should play mostly dry barring a change in the forecast. The predicted 10-mph winds shouldn't affect things at all.
WEEK 3 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Bills @ Commanders. Here's yet another game that could see some rain (35-percent chance) and mild winds (12-15 mph). We're still starting all of our key Commanders' and Bills' WRs and kicker Tyler Bass, but the D/STs get a slight bump in what could be a sloppier-than-expected game. (Update: Most of the rain should clear by kickoff, but there could be a few scattered showers. Stick with your usual starters unless the forecast worsens.)
Panthers @ Seahawks. There's over a 50-percent chance of rain for this one, so give the D/STs a bump and expect slightly more running than usual. Carolina's pass-catchers don't deserve the benefit of the doubt, but DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are still must-starts.
Bears @ Chiefs. Stop us if you've heard this before: 30-35-percent chance of rain and 10-plus-mph winds. You're not benching any key Chiefs, but be careful with the kickers and upgrade Kansas City's D/ST. (Update: Rain is looking less likely, so start all your usual players.)
Eagles @ Buccaneers. There's around a 40-percent chance of rain early and 10-mph winds. Those aren't enough reasons to bench any key players, but as with the other games with similar forecasts, be careful with the kickers and upgrade the D/STs slightly.
All of this is subject to change as we get closer to kickoff. You can follow meteorologist Kevin Roth on Twitter (@KevinRothWx) and check out the hourly NFL weather forecasts on RotoGrinders. For the best weather-related fantasy advice, take a look at WeatherEdge.
