NFL Weather Week 1: Forecast rain and wind can influence fantasy starting decisions
You might think you don’t have to worry about checking the weather forecast on Sunday until later in the season when it starts to snow, but experienced fantasy football owners know that wind and rain can cause problems at any time. We certainly have a little bit of both in our first week forecast, but fortunately, RotoGrinders meteorologist Kevin Roth is here to help us analyze major weather updates.
Before we get into the Week 1 forecast, here’s a reminder that if you have any questions about sports weather or how weather can affect play (and possibly your dreams, DFS choices, and gambling decisions), feel free to reach out to RotoGrinders meteorologist Kevin Roth at Twitter (@Kevin Rothox) or check the hourly NFL weather forecast on RotoGrinders. To take your game to the next level, sign up for the exclusive WeatherEdge tool from RotoGrinders and see how different weather conditions affected your history.
If a game isn’t mentioned below, it’s because it doesn’t even have 10 mph winds or a 20 percent chance of rain in the forecast.
PPR first week rankings:
QBs | Regional Resources | WRS| TEs| Dr. sts | Kickers
Weather forecasts and updates for the first week of the NFL
Expectations, God willing Kevin Roth at RotoGrinders
texas@ravins. There is approximately a 50 percent chance of rain and winds within 10 mph in this area. It probably won’t help passing games, but it shouldn’t have much impact on fantasy decisions. Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews still lead, but all WR racing will be risky even in ideal conditions.
49er @Steelers: As with the Ravens, there is about a 40 percent chance of rain, but wind won’t be a factor. There’s no need to field any of the key players in the receiving game (Deebo Samuel, George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle), but you can give those D/STs a slight bump.
Standard rating for the first week:
QBs | Regional Resources | WRS| TEs| Dr. sts | Kickers
Cardinals@Leaders. Another east coast game with a 50 percent chance of rain and 10 mph winds. You probably don’t want to play anyone’s Cardinals pass game anyway, but if you really want to Marquise Brown, you can. Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson remain the starting staples, and the leader’s D/ST is also a solid option.
DFS Lineup Week 1: FanDuel | Kings Project
Raiders @Broncos. This game is a far cry from the first three games on the list, but the forecast is about the same: 40-50 percent chance of rain and 10 mph winds. As long as there is no sudden torrential rain, there is no need to bench any key players in this game, including the kick players.
Fantastic Picks for Week 1: The Sleepers | Busts | Start them, sit them down
Eagles@Patriots. Stop us if you’ve heard this: 50% chance of rain, 10 mph winds. All of Philly’s offensive attacks are still essential, and you can call on JuJu Smith-Schuster if you need him. Any rain numbers to help D/STs too.
More from DFS First Week: Best Values | best stacks
Cowboys @ Giants. There’s a bit less chance of rain and storms aren’t bad for this game, so all the usual debut matches should be fine as long as the forecast doesn’t get worse.
All of this is subject to change as we get closer to kick-off. You can follow meteorologist Kevin Roth on Twitter (@Kevin Rothox) and check out the hourly NFL weather forecast on RotoGrinders. For the best fantasy weather advice, check out WeatherEdge.
