Weather should be a factor in the Steelers-Ravens game.
The forecast includes a 100 percent chance of rain (maybe an inch of rain), with winds of 10-20 mph. Temperatures should be in the low 40s.
Such weather would definitely make things tougher on kickers. It also probably also will reduce passing production. I say “probably” because sometimes on a sloppy, wet field, you see more defensive backs slipping and falling down, with short passes turning into long touchdowns. And Antonio Brown in particular is a receiver who’s tough to tackle. Steve Smith to a lesser degree.
This kind of weather would probably favor the Ravens. They definitely have a better run defense, and with LeVeon Bell out, they also run the ball better.
Of the four first-round games, this is the one where an upset looks most likely.
Weather shouldn’t be much of a factor at the other games.
There’s a 50 percent chance of rain in Charlotte, but winds are light and it should be around 50 degrees. That’s not anything that should affect the Panthers and Cardinals too much.
At Arlington, temperatures should be in the low to mid 30s, but it’s going to be clear – no chance of rain, and wind won’t be a factor.
With the Bengals and Colts, they’re working with a roof.
—Ian Allan