Fantasy football forecast: Why rain could put a damper on your Week 2 lineup
Several NFL games during Week 2 could be impacted by rain or storms. FOX Weather breaks down the forecast and highlights which key players could see a loss in fantasy points.
Fantasy football forecast: Who you should start in your Week 2 lineup
Several NFL games during Week 2 could be impacted by rain or storms. FOX Weather highlights which key players you should start in your lineup.
We all know the weather can have an effect on a team’s game plan. And that game plan can impact a player’s statistics, which is key for fantasy football owners.
Several games on Sunday could be wet ones with rain in the forecast, ultimately hindering players' performances.
(FOX Weather)
Seahawks vs. 49ers in San Francisco
Just like we saw last week in Chicago when the Bears took on the 49ers, rain is not always conducive for an effective passing game.
One of those games where rain could play a factor is the Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers. Rain is forecast for the 49er's 1:05 p.m. PT game, and Levi Stadium, technically located in Santa Clara, doesn't have a roof to protect fans or players.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance didn’t have a great game overall in Week 1, fantasy football or not. He completed 13 of 28 passing attempts for 164 yards and one interception in his team's opening game loss to the Bears on a rain-soaked Soldier Field.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 11: A general view of the field prior to the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Quinn Harris / Getty Images)
But he did carry the ball 13 times for 54 yards, leading the team, so that could be a bright spot heading into Week 2 if you have to start Lance in your lineup.
Lance's performance history is very limited due to this only being his second season in the league, but according to SportsWeather, we will see a decrease in his fantasy point production by .46 points due to the weather.
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So if you're considering putting in Brandon Aiyuk as a flex option for Week 2, you may want to rethink your fantasy football lineup and opt for a running back instead in the flex spot, should you have players encountering a stormy Sunday.
Rain hindered options during the 49ers last week, and San Francisco is surely looking for redemption this week after losing to the Bears on a flooded Soldier Field in Week 1.
Chicago Bears slip-and-slide into end zone at Soldier Field
The Chicago Bears turned Soldier Field into a slip-and-slide on Sunday as the field was so waterlogged after heavy rain.
Deebo Samuel only caught two passes for 14 yards. His rushing was more impressive, gaining 52 yards on the ground, so he may still be a good flex option for your lineup.
From the Seahawks’ perspective, running back Rashaad Penny could also rack up more points this week due to the rainy conditions. He only carried the ball 12 times for 60 yards on Monday night against the Denver Broncos, but expect him to get more touches on Sunday, especially if rain ultimately plays a role.
While new Seattle starting quarterback Geno Smith had a great Week 1, the weather could throw a damper on his Week 2 performance.
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Currently, there is a 44% chance of rain in Santa Clara, and when that’s the case, Smith averages 10 fantasy points, which is not great for your starting quarterback in fantasy.
Bears vs. Packers in Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after throwing an interception during the first half of the 2015 NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on January 18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Another roofless stadium that is expecting storms is Lambeau Field. The Packers are taking on NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears, in Green Bay in a Sunday night primetime matchup to see if quarterback Aaron Rodgers still owns the Bears.
While certainly, a long bomb to Christian Watson could rack up points, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are better options due to wet conditions and a lack of reliable receivers. However, you can never count out Aaron Rodgers, even after a bad Week 1 performance.
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According to SportsWeather, Rodgers’ passer rating as well as average fantasy point production is much better when the feels-like temperature is below 65 degrees. It’s currently forecasted to feel like 73 degrees in Green Bay at game time.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a rushing touchdown by running back Khalil Herbert #24 of the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on September 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Even with the warmer-than-average conditions and storm potential, SportsWeather predicts Rodgers' fantasy point production will be .23 higher than forecasted.
And while one could argue that the Bears' win last week in the rain was due to a lack of consistency by both Chicago and San Francisco, David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert should be viable options for the Bears' running game, as we could see another run-heavy game plan from Chicago on Sunday.