A windy, rainy weather pattern is getting ready to hit the East Coast, and while the initial Week 9 NFL weather forecast doesn't look overly worrisome, several games could still see less-than-ideal conditions. RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth is here to help us break down the weather updates you need to know before locking in your fantasy start 'em sit 'em decisions.
Before we get into the Week 9 forecasts, here's a reminder that if you have any questions about sports weather or how weather could impact play (and, potentially, your fantasy, DFS, and gambling decisions), don't hesitate to reach out to RotoGrinders' meteorologist Kevin Roth on Twitter (@KevinRothWx) or check out the hourly NFL weather forecasts on RotoGrinders. To take your game to the next level, subscribe to RotoGrinders' exclusive WeatherEdge tool and see how different weather conditions have impacted historical scoring.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
If a game isn't mentioned below, it's because it doesn't even have 10-mph winds or a 20-percent chance of rain in the forecast.
WEEK 9 DFS: Best stacks | Best values
NFL Week 9 weather forecast and updates
Forecasts courtesy of Kevin Roth at RotoGrinders
Raiders @ Jaguars. Classic Florida weather here -- winds around 10-15 mph and a 35-percent chance of spotty showers. The intensity of the rain will be key, and we'll know more about the forecast closer to kickoff. For now, plan on keeping all key players in your lineup, including the kickers. (Update: This game should play mostly dry.)
WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Dolphins @ Bears. The Windy City should live up to its nickname this week with gusts around 15-20 mph. That doesn't figure to help the kickers or passing games, but it's not prohibitive. Keep Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Fields in your lineup unless the forecast gets considerably worse. (Update: The wind will die down before kickoff, but we could still see 20-plus-mph gusts during the action.)
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Colts @ Patriots. Here's another game with 10-13-mph winds and around a 15-20-percent chance of rain. Unless the forecast worsens, you don't need to worry about your Pats and Colts, but considering how offensively challenged both teams can be, any weather issues will help the running games and defenses. (UPDATE: The chance for rain has decreased closer to the weekend.)
WEEK 9 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Vikings @ Commanders. This game could see some light rain and winds around 10 mph. All the must-starts are still in play, but watch the forecast. If it gets worse, fringe receivers like Curtis Samuel and Adam Thielen become slightly riskier.
Bills @ Jets. More of the same here -- 10-mph winds and a 20-percent chance of rain. That's not going to stop you from starting any of your regular Bills, but it certainly doesn't help the outlooks of Garrett Wilson or Tyler Conklin.
Rams & Buccaneers. There could be some spot showers and even periods of brief, heavier rain. Overall, all of the must-start WRs stay "must-starts," but there's no need to take chances with Tom Brady or Matthew Stafford if you have comparable options available.
All of this is subject to change as we get closer to kickoff. You can follow meteorologist Kevin Roth on Twitter (@KevinRothWx) and check out the hourly NFL weather forecasts on RotoGrinders. For the best weather-related fantasy advice, take a look at WeatherEdge.