NFL Playoffs Could Give Us Epic Weather Matchups

One of the NFL's most important games this weekend could have at least some weather impacts, while wind could be a nuisance for several others.

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (Saturday — 7:20 p.m. ET)

Similarly to this week's Thursday night game, this rematch isn't one just for NFC North supremacy, but crucial in the race for the conference's number-one seed.

Fortunately for both the Packers and Bears, it won't be quite as cold Saturday night in Chicago as it was two weeks ago in Green Bay. But a cold front will have plunged through by kickoff, with temperatures dropping through the 30s and perhaps into the 20s at Soldier Field. Also, expect northwest winds possibly up to 20 mph behind the front, sending wind chills into the teens and 20s.

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Potential fantasy impacts: Both teams are used to playing in the cold, so don't sweat that impact. The wild card, here, may be the winds. Then again, both Caleb Williams and Jordan Love have strong arms, so they may still let it rip on long passes. So, the only tricky play may be each kicker, having to negotiate the winds.

(FULL FORECAST: Chicago)

Other Windy Games

There are three games Sunday that could be windy in the Northeast, though not all that cold compared to average.

Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns (1 p.m. ET)

This game features two of the top three worst weather NFL franchises that play outdoors. This time, however, it's just some wind and typical cold along the lakefront in Cleveland.

This will be a change for the Bills. Their last two games were played with snow falling in Buffalo, then Foxborough last week.

It might be another scenario if Buffalo just leans on its NFL leading rushing game. Then again, the Browns are tied for the league's second best defense, play better at home and their defense might be fuming mad after last week's blowout loss in Chicago.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants (1 p.m. ET)

If you're in your fantasy league's playoffs, you probably aren't starting any Vikings or Giants. Just know that the wind may be a headache for the two young quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy and Jaxson Dart.

New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens (7:20 p.m. ET)

New England is still battling for the AFC's number-one seed and a division title, while the Ravens are in a fight for the AFC North Division, possibly the only way the 7-7 Ravens can make the playoffs.

Again, gusty northwest winds could be a nuisance, but they're not expected to be overly strong. The Ravens could lean on their third-ranked rushing offense, but the Pats defense is fifth best at stopping the run. That could force Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to win this game through the air, despite any wind.

(MORE: Top 10 NFL Weather Impacted Games)

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

Tiffany Savona is a meteorologist for weather.com with more than 15 years of experience in forecasting the weather across the country.