Three of the NFL divisional round games this weekend are outdoors, and each is facing a significantly different weather issue that could affect the playing conditions. The Texans at Ravens should be dry, but below-freezing temperatures will make conditions uncomfortable at minimum.
It may be warmer in San Francisco, but there is a high likelihood of rain, which could limit the Packers and 49ers passing attacks. It will be cold in Buffalo. The snow came in earlier this week, so there should not be another game delay, but the Bills organization has asked for snow shovelers to help get the stadium ready.
Last and probably least, some reporters have concerns about the coldest temps of the week affecting the Buccaneers' walk from the bus to the indoor confines of Ford Field when they play the Lions. We have the weather forecast for all four divisional round games and any effects on odds or game lines.
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens | 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday
- Opening spread: Ravens -9.5
- Opening OVER/UNDER: 45.5 points
- Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
- Stadium type: Outdoor
- Forecast: 24 degrees | Rain/snow: 5% | Wind: 16-18 mph
Live odds for Texans vs. Ravens
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The Texans pulled off an upset last week and are looking to do it again, this time against the AFC's top seed. The cold weather has not moved the spread line much but has pushed the total points down. The weather definitely favors the Ravens, as they have an elite defense and their offense can utilize rushing or passing attacks effectively.
For the Texans, the cold conditions will hurt them more as they need their passing offense to be uninhibited. They are not a strong rushing team, but rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been one of the best passers in the NFL this season. Stroud led the Texans and overcame the odds last week, but this matchup with the Ravens will be a bigger challenge.
Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers | 8:15 p.m. ET Saturday
- Opening betting lines: 49ers -10
- Opening OVER/UNDER: 50.5 points
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
- Stadium type: Outdoor
- Forecast: 57 degrees | Rain/snow: 70% | Wind: 8-10 mph
Live odds for Packers vs. 49ers
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The Packers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, but facing a rested 49ers team will be a tough matchup. Add in the potential rain, and that could really hurt Jordan Love's ability to sling the ball around the field. If the weather forces Green Bay and San Francisco to run the ball more, that would favor the 49ers.
They have arguably the best running back in the league in Christian McCaffrey, plus Deebo Samuel is a multitool skill player with big-play rushing ability. The total points and spread line have barely moved throughout the week. Come back and recheck this article before kickoff to see the live odds, as any weather forecast adjustments could change the odds quickly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions | 3 p.m. ET Sunday
- Opening betting lines: Lions -6
- Opening OVER/UNDER: 48.5 points
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit
- Stadium type: Indoor
- Forecast: 68-72 (inside) 23 (outside) degrees | Rain/snow: 0% | Wind: 0 mph
Live odds for Buccaneers vs. Lions
Detroit hosts the Buccaneers in the only indoor playoff contest this week. That did not stop Todd Bowles from answering a question about whether the winter weather in Detroit would affect his team. Give Bowles credit; he was kinder than some coaches would have been for a dumb question like that. Here is the best bet for you this weekend: At some point in the broadcast, they will show a clip of Tampa Bay's walk from the bus into the stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills | 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday
- Opening spread: Bills -2.5
- Opening OVER/UNDER: 46 points
- Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.
- Stadium type: Outdoor
- Forecast: 17 degrees | Rain/snow: 15% | Wind: 11-13 mph
Live odds for Chiefs vs. Bills
This is the third playoff matchup for the two franchises in the past four seasons — the first one in Buffalo. The Bills Mafia will come out in full force, and the winter weather has empowered Buffalo. Quarterback Josh Allen has historically played great in cold weather. The Chiefs have beaten the Bills in their past two playoff contests.
With little chance of snow and only cold temperatures affecting the game, Kansas City won't be too concerned about the conditions. The Chiefs beat Miami in the fourth-coldest game in NFL history last week. This week's weather in Buffalo will be much warmer than last week's home game.
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