NFL Week 1 Weather Report: Advice & Predictions (2022)

The wait is over. Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season is here, and we’ve got football games that actually count this weekend.

One aspect of NFL betting that can sometimes be overlooked is the weather. While it doesn’t happen often, there are occasions when Mother Nature can have an impact on a game. And while rain or snow can be unpleasant for fans attending the game live, the wind is actually the most consistent factor to look at when it comes to the weather. 

High winds often impact passing games and kicking games. Wind can impact quarterback accuracy and production, forcing teams to go to the ground more often, which keeps the clock running. And teams may be more willing to go for it on fourth down rather instead of attempting a moderate or long-range field goal.

Obviously, heavy rain and snow, along with extreme temperatures, can impact games too. But those factors are far less frequent.

Now that we know what to look for when gauging the weather, let’s put on our meteorologist hat and take a look at the Week 1 weather for all outdoor games. Obviously, the weather can change, so keep an eye on any games where bad weather is expected throughout the weekend.

All weather forecasts come from AccuWeather.com 

Baltimore Ravens -7 at New York Jets, Total 44.5

Forecast: 83 degrees, 20% chance of rain

Wind speed: 6-9 MPH

Sunday is shaping up to be a calm, comfortable day at MetLife Stadium with no real weather threats.

San Francisco 49ers -7 at Chicago Bears, Total 40.5 

Forecast: 74 degrees, 95% chance of rain

Wind speed: 10-23 MPH

Sunday’s showdown in Chicago already has a pretty low total, and the weather isn’t helping. While the rain won’t be heavy, it could be a bigger factor at Soldier Field, which has one of the worst playing surfaces in the NFL. To make matters worse, there could be some strong wind gusts whipping off Lake Michigan. Expect a potentially sloppy affair between Trey Lance and Justin Fields, with the under being a more viable play.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals -6.5, Total 44.5

Forecast: 76 degrees, 93% chance of rain

Wind speed: 6-12 MPH

Rain once again could play a small role in Cincy, but the wind doesn’t appear to be as big of a factor. That is great news for anyone looking to back Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ passing game.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins -3.5, Total 46

Forecast: 91 degrees, 55% chance of rain

Wind speed: 8-14 MPH

A random rainstorm can always pop up in Miami, as indicated by the wishy-washy forecast. However, the Miami humidity is worth consideration, especially early in the season. It’s expected to feel like 100 degrees in South Beach, which is why Bill Belichick flew his team down early to adjust to the humid conditions. A Dolphins second-half bet could be worth considering if you think New England will run out of gas.

Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers -1.5, Total 42

Forecast: 79 degrees, 95% chance of rain

Wind speed: 6-10 MPH

Similar to Cincinnati, there should be some rain Sunday when Baker Mayfield looks to exact revenge on the Cleveland Browns. The forecast did mention the possibility of a “heavy thunderstorm,” which could certainly make things sloppy on Sunday. But with low winds expected, there isn’t enough to warrant an actionable bet.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Commanders -2.5, Total 44

Forecast: 78 degrees, 95% chance of precipitation

Wind speed: 6-8 MPH

Another game with a pretty high chance of light to moderate rain, but very little wind. Another game that’ll be uncomfortable for fans, but likely won’t play a huge impact on the game. Although a slick football might not be good for the fumble-prone Antonio Gibson.

New York Giants at Tennessee Titans -5.5, Total 43.5

Forecast: 81 degrees, 88% chance of rain

Wind speed: 6-12 MPH

Rinse and repeat. Rain is expected, but not a ton of wind. And for what it’s worth, it appears that rain will be less of a factor in Nashville than it will be in other games mentioned.

Denver Broncos -6.5 at Seattle Seahawks, Total 44.5 

Forecast: 70 degrees, 40% chance of rain

Wind speed: 8-15 MPH

Go figure, it’s expected to rain just about everywhere in the country except Seattle. It looks to be a lovely night for football as Russell Wilson comes to Seattle seeking revenge.