As the NFL season grows longer, the days are getting shorter. The weather is getting colder and more unpredictable, and it appears that the league’s Week 12 ‘Thursday Night Football’ game could end up being played in sloppy conditions.
The Cleveland Browns are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. The AFC North rivalry has often been a grind-it-out slugfest during its history, and the battle between the divisional foes could be significantly impacted by inclement weather in Cleveland.
There is a 90% chance of precipitation during the Browns vs. Steelers game. It isn’t clear whether temperatures will be cold enough to create snow or if it will just rain, but either way, the precipitation and the wind will create unfavorable conditions for the players, especially quarterbacks and kickers.
And if it does get cold enough that the storm in Cleveland turns into lake-effect snow, NFL fans could be treated to a whiteout game.
Here’s what to know about the weather for the Browns vs. Steelers game in Cleveland on Thursday night.
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Browns vs. Steelers weather updates
The Browns vs. Steelers game is expected to be played in less-than-favorable conditions on Thursday night. Temperatures will drop as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit during the game while there is a 91% chance of precipitation during the game, per Weather.com.
It isn’t yet clear if the precipitation will be rain, snow or a mix of both. What is clear is that is that the field and pigskin seem likely to be slick, so that could make for more drops, slips and errors than usual.
Add in the consistent 20-30 mph winds expected to be blowing off Lake Erie during the game and it will be hard both to kick and to move the ball through the air.
Cleveland weather forecast for Browns vs. Steelers
It is going to be wet, windy and potentially snowy during the Browns vs. Steelers game, according to Weather.com. Below are the full details of Thursday’s forecast:
High temperature: 40 degrees
Low temperature: 37 degrees
Chance of precipitation: 91%
Wind: 20-30 mph (gusts up to 40 mph)
The inclement weather will peak right around game-time, as there is a 91% chance of snow at 8 p.m. ET. The ‘Thursday Night Football’ game is expected to start at 8:15 p.m. ET. From there, winds will strengthen while gradual precipitation is expected to fall before tapering off into a ‘light rain’ at around 10 p.m. ET.
Below is a look at the hourly Cleveland forecast for Thursday night:
7 p.m. ET: 39 degrees, Rain/snow (90%), 16 mph winds
8 p.m. ET: 38 degrees, Snow (91%), 14 mph winds
9 p.m. ET: 38degrees, Rain/Snow (83%), 11 mph winds
10 p.m. ET: 39 degrees, Light Rain (73%), 14 mph winds
11 p.m. ET: 40 degrees, Showers (54%), 17 mph winds
Midnight ET: 41 degrees, Showers (37%), 19 mph winds
Browns vs. Steelers fantasy outlook
The weather during the Browns vs. Steelers game will have an impact on key fantasy contributors in Week 12 – a less than ideal reality considering that six NFL teams are on bye in the first ‘Byemageddon’ scenario of the 2024 season.
Some fantasy football managers may have no choice but to trust certain players, but here’s what to expect from the top potential fantasy contributors in this matchup.
Stock down: QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston
It’s going to be difficult to throw the ball consistently given the strong winds and varying precipitation throughout Thursday’s game. Both Wilson and Winston could draw starting consideration if only one element of the weather was a factor, but neither seems like a good option to back in this matchup.
And fantasy owners should be especially wary of Wilson, who won’t be able to throw his trademark deep passes with consistent accuracy.
Stock up: RBs Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Nick Chubb
The Steelers and Browns aren’t likely to pass the ball consistently on Thursday. That will lead each team to try to establish the run, which could lead to a lot of touches for the fantasy backs in this contest.
Harris is averaging 20.4 touches per game this season and has at least 21 in four consecutive games. He could approach the 25-touch category if the Steelers can establish their running game against Cleveland.
Warren could similarly benefit, but more so as a receiver. He had four catches against the Baltimore Ravens last week and if Wilson can’t get the ball downfield, Warren could be given more opportunities to make plays on swing passes and screens. That makes him a solid flex to trust in PPR leagues.
Finally, Chubb has at least 11 carries in each of his four games since returning from a devastating knee injury. He may have trouble finding room against a strong Steelers run defense (ranked fourth in the NFL allowing 90.8 rushing yards per game) but he’s still a volume threat who could get a touchdown.
Stock down: WRs George Pickens, Cedric Tillman, Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore
The Browns receivers are coming off a big game against the New Orleans Saints, but they aren’t likely to repeat that production. Winston threw for nearly 400 yards in that contest but won’t have the same ability to threaten the Steelers downfield in inclement weather.
As for Pickens, he has made a big impact outside the numbers on contested catch passes. Those aren’t as likely to be available for him in this matchup, as Wilson seems likely to focus on shorter passes. Pickens can still do damage in that area, but his big-play upside will significantly decrease.
Stock up: Steelers D/ST and Browns D/ST
If the passing games can’t get going in this contest, both of these NFC North teams will have a chance to post solid defensive outings. Sure, their sack floors will be lowered, but the scoring ceiling of their opponents will also be lowered.
Add in that a slick football can lead to turnovers and this has the makings of a defensive battle. Feel free to fire up each squad in fantasy football formats, and don’t be afraid to trust the Browns if you need a bye-week streamer.
Stock down: K Chris Boswell
Boswell has been one of the best kickers in fantasy football, but the conditions for this game won’t allow him to make long kicks, in all likelihood. That will cap his ceiling and make him more of a middling play. You can still start him if you don’t want to roster two kickers; just don’t expect a big game out of him.