NFL Weather Week 7: Wind, rain in forecast could affect fantasy start 'em, sit 'em decisions

Matt Lutovsky

NFL Weather Week 7: Wind, rain in forecast could affect fantasy start 'em, sit 'em decisions image

For the second-straight week, the NFL weather forecast features a lot of wind and a little bit of rain, and even the biggest game of the year will be affected. RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth is here to help us break down all the key weather updates before fantasy football owners lock in their Week 7 start 'em, sit 'em decisions.

Before we get into the Week 7 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 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

NFL weather forecast and updates Week 7

Forecasts courtesy of Kevin Roth at RotoGrinders

Commanders @ Giants. There's a relatively low chance of rain, but consistent winds around 20 mph (gusts up to 30) could affect the passing and kicking games. We wouldn't sit Terry McLaurin or Sam Howell, but everyone else is slightly riskier.

Raiders @ Bears. The "Windy City" will only be moderately windy this weekend, with gusts around 15 mph. That's not enough reason to bench any usual starters. (UPDATE: Winds are now expected to be under 10 mph.)

WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Bills @ Patriots. With around a 30-percent chance of rain and winds in the 20-plus-mph range, this could be the worst weather game of the weekend. Chances are, you weren't playing anyone from the Patriots' passing game anyway, so there's not much to worry about there. Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and probably Gabriel Davis are still in play, but be careful with Tyler Bass. (UPDATE: The chances for rain have dropped to 10-15 percent.)

RotoGrinders-Weather-Edge

Lions @ Ravens. There won't be any rain, but winds could be at least 20 mph throughout most of the game. That could affect the passing and kicking games, but it's tough to recommend sitting any normal starters (Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta). Don't take chances with guys like Jameson Williams or Odell Beckham Jr., and be careful with Justin Tucker. 

WEEK 7 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em

Cardinals @ Seahawks. This game is the most likely to see rain, with over a 70-percent chance of showers in Seattle this weekend. There won't be much wind, so it really comes down to how hard -- and consistently -- the rain is expected to fall. We'll know more about that closer to kickoff. For now, you can plan on starting key members of these passing games (DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Marquise Brown, Geno Smith), but give a bump to Seattle's D/ST and downgrade the kickers slightly. (UPDATE: The chance for rain has dropped considerably to just 15-25 percent. There still might be stray showers, but there's no need to worry about any of your usual starters).

Dolphins @ Eagles. The "Game of the Year" will be quite windy, with gusts around 20 mph. That doesn't figure to help these high-powered offenses, but it's not enough to sit any key starters. (UPDATE: Wind predictions have dropped to around 10-12 mph.)

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.

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.