Here we are, championship weekend! If you did it, congratulations and let’s get the trophy! Of course, the way Mother Nature works, this won’t be an easy weather weekend. There are a lot of implications that you’ll see below that will make your roster decisions challenging this weekend.

As this is the last weather article of the season, thank you for reading and supporting us throughout the year. I hope this article was useful for you and your team. See you all next season!

Saturday games

Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots

MEDIUM impact. There will be some rain, currently around 40%, and light wind. Temperatures will be in the low 40s. I don’t expect any significant rain, so I don’t think you’re benching anyone you would normally start. Just keep an eye on the pre-game reports and be prepared to be flexible.

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals

LOW Effects. Overall, it will be a decent day in Cincinnati. There is a small chance of rain (20%), winds will be light, and temperatures will be in the low 60s during the game. Start all your studs.

Play in the early afternoon

Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants

MEDIUM Effects. Another game with rain showers is forecast, this time the chance of rain is 50%. Additionally, there will be some stronger winds, with sustained speeds in the high single digits and gusts into the low 20s. There may be some impact on deep passing and field goals. I don’t think many people are running with Graham Gano or Matt Gay during championship week (if so, then you’re a brave manager, my friend), but if so, you might want to explore other options.

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills

HIGH Effects. It’s going to be wet in Buffalo. Rainfall is currently at 100%. Additionally, winds will remain in the low teens. At least temperatures will be in the low 50s so it won’t be too miserable. What does this mean for the game? Conditions like these tend to favor the running game, so your James Cooks and your Breece Halls are locked up. They never bench Josh Allen, but I would lower expectations for the Bills’ wide receivers. The same goes for the Jets’ passing options (as Davante Adams’ resident manager, I hate that too).

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

MEDIUM Effects. More rain? Secure. Why not. 60% chance of rain and some thunderstorms during game time. Winds will be lighter and temperatures will be in the upper 70s. I think it should be “fine” for the most part, but when these rain showers move over the stadium they will cause some problems. Just do a quick check before kick-off to ensure conditions are appropriate.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

MEDIUM Effects. Sorry if I sound like a broken record here, but rain is expected during game time. The chance is currently 70%, so there will be some breaks, but it will most likely rain. Wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour will also be a problem. Because of the rain, I expect both teams to rely more heavily on the running game. So downgrade the pass catchers and upgrade your running backs.

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

MEDIUM Effects. You know it’s a bad weather weekend in December when Florida feels the effects! More rain is expected, with an 80% chance of rain and winds gusting in the teens to low 20s. Temperatures will be in the mid 70s.

Late afternoon games

Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns

HIGH impact. Another muddy mess. 100% chance of rain with winds in the low teens. As with the other games, expect some impact on ball control and passing. I still think you start with the cleats, but if you have a flex option that plays in better conditions, the switch might be worth it.

Sunday night game

Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders

MEDIUM impact. Let’s end this miserable Sunday with another rainy game. 90 percent chance of rain with winds in the high single digits and gusts in the high teens. Just like the other games, the passing game will likely take a hit and your kickers will have some additional impact.

Monday night game

Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers

LOW impact. Finally a nice game. Clear skies, light winds and temperatures above 30 degrees. Start your stallions!

The weather is a dynamic thing and can change! Keep an eye on your local weather source before kickoff to see if anything changes significantly. Good luck!