NFL Week 5 Weather Updates: Wind, rain for Vikings-Giants, Jaguars-Panthers could impact fantasy start 'em, sit 'em calls

Kevin Roth

NFL Week 5 Weather Updates: Wind, rain for Vikings-Giants, Jaguars-Panthers could impact fantasy start 'em, sit 'em calls image

The Week 5 NFL weather forecast has us looking at some possible rain and wind in places like Seattle (Rams-Seahawks), New York (Vikings-Giants), Carolina (Jaguars-Panthers), and Pittsburgh (Ravens-Steelers). As of now, it doesn't look like any spot will be affected enough to significantly alter any fantasy start 'em, sit 'em decisions or NFL bets, but things can always change closer to kickoff, so check back for updates.

It's important to remember that rain and wind impact the game in different ways. Rain is always more noticeable, as you can see it falling while watching the game, see the players slip, or see a dropped pass that a WR usually catches, but statistically it isn't as important as it may appear. It's also worth mentioning that the defense has to run and cut on that same slick field, so while it may occasionally cost the offense a play or two, it can also give the offense an advantage at times. Wind is the opposite. It's harder to see the impact, yet it's statistically more impactful. A 15-mph wind isn't noticeable as you watch the broadcast, but it might be just enough to hang a deep ball in the air an extra half second so the defender can make a play. I bring all this up because we are going to see both rain and wind on Sunday, and it's important to know the difference between "looks bad" and "is bad".

WEEK 5 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Before we get into the Week 5 forecast, remember 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 on Twitter @KevinRothWx or check our 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.

NFL Week 5 weather updates

Rams at Seahawks. Kicking it off on Thursday with a game that involves a bit of both our aforementioned weather variables but not enough of either to scare me. Off and on showers are possible during the game, but it's not quite the driving, heavy rain that would be a big factor. Wind will come in between 10-15 mph, a bit on the breezy side, but again not enough to really consider a threat. In 12 games with similar weather at CenturyLink Field, the total scoring has dropped just four percent (stats courtesy of RotoGrinders WeatherEdge), but that's not enough to consider this weather as a major factor. 

Vikings @ Giants. This is likely our windiest game of the week. We should see sustained winds come in right around 15-mph sustained with gusts of 20 mph. That's enough to have a minor impact in the passing and kicking games, though I wouldn't say it's enough to consider it a "must-bench" scenario for anyone. 

RotoGrinders-Weather-Edge

Ravens @ Steelers. Scattered showers possible. We'll need to revisit this on Sunday, but if we see rain before and during the game it could tilt gameplans slightly toward the run. I don't think it's enough rain to fully disrupt the passing game.  

Jaguars @ Panthers. Our best chance of seeing heavy rain. I expect this game will play wet one way or another, with a chance that it's a real soaker throughout the game. Last week we saw Minshew Magic in some very windy conditions in Denver. This week he'll likely get his shot in the rain, and at this point, I'm not betting against him. The game script would set up well for a Leonard Fournette-vs.-Christian McCaffrey ground-and-pound game if we do indeed see heavy rain. Update: Forecasts have changed and there figures to be minimal, if any, rain during the game.

WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | FD cash | FD GPP | DK cash | DK GPP

Cardinals @ Bengals. Overcast weather could lead to some scattered showers during the game.

As always, all of this is subject to change as we get closer to Sunday. You can follow me on Twitter (@KevinRothWx), check out the hourly automated NFL weather forecasts on RotoGrinders, or take a look at  WeatherEdge for updates. We've also added automated College Football Weather for those NCAA football fans looking for a little weather insight.

Kevin Roth