NFL Weather Week 15: Highs winds, rain in forecast could affect fantasy start-sit decisions

Matt Lutovsky

NFL Weather Week 15: Highs winds, rain in forecast could affect fantasy start-sit decisions image

The Week 15 NFL weather forecast is about as good as it gets for this time of year, with no snow and only mild rain on the horizon. However, there are a few spots that will see fairly heavy winds, and in the fantasy football playoffs, that alone can cause headaches when making start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Fortunately, RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth is back to help us break down all the key weather updates before fantasy owners lock in their lineups.

Before we get into the Week 15 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 15 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

NFL weather forecast and updates Week 15

Forecasts courtesy of Kevin Roth at RotoGrinders

Falcons @ Panthers. With winds around 10-15 mph and a 40-percent chance of light-ish rain, this game isn't too worrisome. However, given the offenses involved, even slightly bad conditions could cause problems. For now, we'd keep Drake London and Adam Thielen in our lineups, but if the forecast worsens, you'll want to limit your exposure to just the RBs and D/STs. (UPDATE: The forecast has taken a turn, with "buckets" of rain and winds gusting up to 25 mph now expected. All receivers are extra risky, as are the kickers.)

WEEK 15 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Jets @ Dolphins. This is probably the worst weather game of the weekend, with around a 50-percent chance of rain and sustained winds around 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. That's not enough reason to bench Garrett Wilson, Jaylen Waddle, or Tyreek Hill (ankle) if he plays, but it hurts the outlook for Tua Tagovailoa and the kickers. (UPDATE: The likelihood of rain during the game has significantly decreased, but it's still going to be very windy.)

Bears @ Browns. A similar outlook to Falcons-Panthers, this game will likely see steady rain and winds around 15-20 mph. It's tough to sit DJ Moore, Amari Cooper, and David Njoku, but don't take any unnecessary risks.

RotoGrinders-Weather-Edge

Chiefs @ Patriots. There could be some light rain, and with steady 10-mph winds with gusts up to 20 mph, the conditions could play a factor. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce remain must-starts, but there's no reason to take chances with the secondary players from this game.

Cowboys @ Bills. Buffalo in December is always a roll of the dice, but with just 10-15-mph winds expected, there's no reason to be worried about your Cowboys' or Bills' players. (UPDATE: It's now expected to rain most of the game, but it's unlikely to be heavy rain.)

WEEK 15 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit

Ravens @ Jaguars. There's around a 30-percent chance of rain, but more worrisome is the sustained 20-mph winds and gusts up to 30 mph. It will be tough to bench any of the key players in the passing games, but the kickers are slightly riskier. If the forecast worsens, be careful with the secondary pass-catchers. (UPDATE: Newer models indicate potentially high winds up to 40 mph during the game. The worst might hit before the game kicks off, but there could still be some lingering effects early on.)

WEEK 15 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks

Eagles @ Seahawks. There's a 60-percent chance of rain for this game, but we won't know until closer to kickoff how sustained or heavy the rain will be. For now, plan on using all of your regular starters from this game. (UPDATE: The showers are supposed to be scattered and relatively light.)

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.