NFL weather updates: Forecast concerns for Steelers-Patriots, Packers-Jets and more

NFL weather updates: Forecast concerns for Steelers-Patriots, Packers-Jets and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season is upon us and weather might already be playing a factor in games this week.

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It’s more typical to see weather being a problem as we turn the page to the next few months, but there is rain and wind in the forecasts of a few games on Sunday.

Here’s a look at the forecasts of the games with the biggest concerns, and then we’ll go over how those inclement conditions can impact players on the field.

Note: All weather forecasts are courtesy of AccuWeather.com.

Steelers vs. Patriots weather forecast

Bears vs. Vikings weather forecast

Packers vs. Jets weather forecast

Buccaneers vs. Browns weather forecast

Saints vs. Ravens weather forecast

Jaguars vs. Broncos weather forecast

• Rain chances: 51% (thunderstorms possible)

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Weather impact on NFL games

Keep in mind, slick weather conditions can make it harder for ball-carriers to grip the rock, and for pass-catchers to secure it when targeted.

Also don’t forget about wind. Gusts of 15 MPH or more are enough to impact both passing attacks and kicking games.

Teams could opt to throw the ball less, or at least throw shorter passes, and kickers are more prone to miss field goals — especially longer ones — and teams will sometimes avoid field goals entirely in extreme wind situations.

Meanwhile, the biggest beneficiaries of inclement weather are running backs, as teams tend to lean on the run game more and running backs are often the targets when quarterbacks throw shorter passes.

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Should weather be the end-all, be-all of your fantasy football decisions?

Absolutely not, as weather can change at the drop of a hat and inclement conditions don’t always last the entire game.

That said, if you’re 50/50 on a lineup decision and one of the players you’re choosing between has bad weather and the other doesn’t, going with the latter is probably the way to go.