We had a few rainy games in November, but for the most part, the NFL weather was as mild as we could hope for. As we enter December, things are taking a turn, as wind, rain, and possibly even snow are all in the Week 13 forecast. RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth is back 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 13 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 13 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
NFL weather forecast and updates Week 13
Forecasts courtesy of Kevin Roth at RotoGrinders
Chargers @ Patriots. Early forecasts call for a 35-percent chance of rain and winds around 10-12 mph. That's not prohibitive for guys like Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen, but depending on how the forecast changes closer to the weekend, you might want to play it safe with the secondary receiving options (which includes all Patriots WRs/TEs) and the kickers. (UPDATE: The rain figures to be consistent and potentially heavy for this game, so don't take any unnecessary chances with secondary receivers or kickers. Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen are the only "must-starts" in the respective passing games.)
Falcons @ Jets. Winds are supposed to be mild, but there's a 35-percent chance of rain in the forecast. Garrett Wilson and Drake London are still in play if you need them, but given the nature of these two passing games, even slightly inclement conditions could cause trouble. Continue to monitor the forecast closer to kickoff. (UPDATE: This game will play wet, but the worst of the rain is expected to clear before kickoff.)
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Cardinals @ Steelers. Much like the Jets' game, this game is calling for a 30-percent chance of rain with mild winds. That's not prohibitive in its own right, but if the forecast worsens, you might want to think about benching some of the secondary receiving options and both kickers. (UPDATE: There will be some light-to-medium lingering showers, but the real worry here is the wind. Sustained winds of around 15-20 mph are expected, with gusts up to 30 mph. You don't need to risk it with the kickers, and there's no need to risk it with most receiving options. Trey McBride is the only real "must-start," and Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Hollywood Brown all have riskier outlooks.)
Dolphins @ Commanders. With around a 40-percent chance of rain and 10-mph winds, this one could play a little ugly depending on the heaviness/steadiness of the rain. It will be impossible to bench Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, or Jaylen Waddle given the matchup, but if the forecast worsens, guys like Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin lose a little luster.
Panthers @ Buccaneers. There are likely to be some showers during this game, including potentially heavy bursts. Mike Evans remains a must-start, but you don't need to risk it with any other QB, pass-catcher, or kicker in this game.
49ers @ Eagles. Here's yet another game on the East Coast with a 35-percent chance of rain and 10-mph winds. That's not enough of a reason to sit any key 49ers or Eagles, but continue to monitor the forecasts.
Chiefs @ Packers. This will be the coldest game of the weekend, with temperatures dipping around the freezing mark. With 10-mph winds and a 25-percent chance of precipitation, we could even see some rain turning into snow flurries. You're not going to bench Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce under any circumstances, but be careful with the secondary receivers and kickers. (UPDATE: Most of the snow should fall before kickoff, but the field could still be slick as flurries continue after kickoff.)
WEEK 13 FANTASY ADVICE: Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit
Bengals @ Jaguars. There's a 20-percent chance of rain and 10-mph winds expected for this game. Unless the forecast worsens, you don't need to worry about any of your key Bengals or Jags.
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.
