NFL Week 14 is upon us, and once again several games could be affected by bad weather. As many as eight games are currently forecast to see rain or expected winds of 10-plus mph.
For NFL bettors and fantasy managers, the weather will be a huge component of betting strategies in Week 14. Let's take a look at the games most likely to be affected by Mother Nature and how to expect the betting lines, odds and props markets to respond.
NFL weather forecasts Week 14
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears | 1 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Lions -3
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
- Forecast: 37 degrees | Rain/snow: 13% | Wind: 13-15 mph
Live odds for Lions vs. Bears
The Chicago Bears have not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet, but their chances of getting to the postseason are doubtful. That often leads to a team not playing as hard and being OK with losing to get a higher draft pick. That is not the case in Chicago, though. First, they have the Panthers' first-round pick, assuring them of at least one top-five pick. Also, they want to give Justin Fields as many opportunities as possible to prove himself before they potentially move on from him this offseason.
The Lions are not only trying to win their division, but they are also hoping to fight for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Remember that after head-to-head, the first tiebreaker is conference win percentage. That makes this matchup critical for Detroit as they sit one game behind the Eagles and 49ers in the NFC. With high winds and chilly temperatures, the run game will take center stage. The Bears have Fields, who is a running threat, but the Lions have the advantage overall in the run game with a strong offensive line and two star running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Related: Week 14 TD scorer props | NFL awards longshots | Best NFL betting sites
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns | 1 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Browns -1.5
- Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland
- Forecast: 43 degrees | Rain: 60% | Wind: 9-11 mph
Live odds for Jaguars vs. Browns
The biggest thing to pay attention to in this game is the health of Trevor Lawrence, who is questionable to play Sunday after suffering a high-ankle sprain last week. With cold temps and a high chance of rain in Cleveland, don't expect the Jaguars to put their franchise quarterback at risk.
The Jaguars are only one game ahead of the Colts and Texans in the AFC South, and the Browns are holding onto a one-game lead for a wild card spot. This game is crucial for both teams, and with poor weather likely the spread has trended even more in favor of the Browns, who have a strong one-two punch at running back.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals | 1 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Colts -2.5
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati
- Forecast: 42 degrees | Rain: 29% | Wind: 11-13 mph
Live odds for Colts vs. Bengals
The Colts and Bengals are both on the fringe of making the playoffs. The Colts currently are on the right side of the seeding but only by one game and tiebreakers. The Bengals are just two games back of the last seed in the AFC. The two teams are riding backup quarterbacks for the rest of the season, and this game could be crucial.
This is the only matchup between the two teams, and if they finish tied for the last playoff spot, their head-to-head result is the first tiebreaker. With high winds and some potential rain, this contest could be messy. The Colts opened as the favorite by just two points, but the line has been moving more toward the Bengals.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Ravens -7
- Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
- Forecast: 62 degrees | Rain: 100% | Wind: 14-16 mph
Live odds for Rams vs. Ravens
Weather-wise, the messiest game of the week is likely to be this Rams vs. Ravens matchup. The line has not moved a lot but is trending even more in favor of the Ravens. It makes sense as Baltimore has an excellent offensive line, Lamar Jackson is one of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL and they have a strong stable of running backs. Expect this game to be low-scoring, with both teams having to run a lot, as passing may be very challenging.
Houston Texans vs. New York Jets | 1 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Texans -6.5
- Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Forecast: 58 degrees | Rain: 87% | Wind: 11-13 mph
Live odds for Texans vs. Jets
The line opened with the Texans as almost a full touchdown favorite, but bad weather and windy conditions have pushed the spread down and closer toward the Jets. That makes sense, as the Jets have the better running backs, and their defense is elite.
Suppose the Texans can't use their passing attack like usual, with rain and wind making things difficult. A wet, low-scoring game will play right into the Jets' hands, and New York desperately needs a win to hang on to any chance of making the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 4:25 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Chiefs -2.5
- Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Forecast: 41 degrees | Rain: 1% | Wind: 8-10 mph
Live odds for Bills vs. Chiefs
The line has moved slightly toward the Bills, which makes sense if the weather affects this game. The Bills have a solid rushing attack and a mobile quarterback. Meanwhile, the Chiefs lean on Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in the passing game. Kelce could be poised for a big game with Taylor Swift likely to attend. If high winds make throwing the ball challenging, that could change things for the Chiefs.
Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins | 8:15 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Dolphins -13.5
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Forecast: 65 degrees | Rain: 7% | Wind: 13-15 mph
Live odds for Titans vs. Dolphins
The Dolphins have the most explosive passing attack in the league, but with one of the windiest games of the NFL week expected, that could negate some of Miami's downfield plays. The line has not moved very much, but with this game not until Monday night, it may be wise to wait until later on Monday before making any wagers and double-check the weather report again.
Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants | Monday 8:15 p.m. ET
- Opening betting lines: Packers -6.5
- Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Forecast: 39 degrees | Rain: 4% | Wind: 17-20 mph
Live odds for Packers vs. Giants
Remember, the rain chance is low in this matchup, but it is very high the day before in New Jersey. That could still lead to very wet conditions, and the combination of high winds could affect the ability to throw the ball in this game. If that is the case, that helps the Giants, who have the better rushing attack with All-Pro running back Saquan Barkley in the backfield.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >