NFL Divisional Round weather: Rams vs. Bears among games to watch for rain, snow, wind
Here's how the weather could impact NFL playoff games in the Divisional Round
The Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL Playoffs begins Saturday, Jan. 17 with the No. 1 seeds from both conferences joining the action as the Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers visit the Seattle Seahawks. As the calendar moves into the middle of January, we can expect colder temperatures, but which games will bettors need to monitor when it comes to potential rain, snow and wind in the Divisional Round?
Texans vs. Patriots (3 p.m. ET, Sunday)
A storm system which was supposed to move through the Boston area on Saturday has been pushed back to Sunday and that means plenty of snow during this game. Temperatures are going to be in the mid 30s so its unlikely most of the snow will actually stick to the field but this gives the Patriots an advantage over the Texans. Houston's defense should hold up well but its offense could face problems, especially with Nico Collins ruled out due to a concussion. The SportsLine Projection Model has the Texans covering the spread in 50% of simulations and has the Over hitting in 51% of simulations, so this is basically a coin flip and the weather might push bettors to the Patriots and the Under.
Rams vs. Bears (6:30 p.m. ET, Sunday)
There was snow coming down last week when the Bears hosted the Packers, and while there was a light dusting on the field before the game, things were clear at kickoff. There's potential for more snow to be on the way for Sunday when the Bears take on the Rams, who have a quarterback who has played in cold weather but the elements might be a problem for the rest of this skill group. L.A. is hoping this will be passing flurries like it was last week, while Chicago might be fine with a bit more snow sticking around. The Bears cover in 53% of simulations and the Over also hits in 53% of simulations, according to the SportsLine Projection Model.
