Snow in weather forecast for ‘TNF’

On November 22, 2024By Littum

(This story has been updated to reflect new information.)

As the NFL season gets longer, the days get shorter. The weather is getting colder and more unpredictable, and it looks like the league’s Week 12 “Thursday Night Football” game could end up being played in sloppy conditions.

The Cleveland Browns is set to host Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. The AFC North rivalry has often been rocky throughout its history, and the matchup between the division foes could be significantly affected by inclement weather in Cleveland.

There is a 90% chance of precipitation during Brown vs. Steelers game. It’s not clear if temperatures will be cold enough to create snow or if it will just rain, but either way, the precipitation and wind will create unfavorable conditions for players, especially quarterbacks and kickers.

And if it gets cold enough for the Cleveland storm to snowball, NFL fans could be treated to a whiteout game.

Here’s what you need to know about the weather for Browns vs. Steelers game in Cleveland Thursday night.

Browns vs. The Steelers game is expected to be played in less than favorable conditions 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 is becoming clearer that there will be snow early in Thursday’s game. A winter weather advisory is in place for Cuyahoga County showing possible accumulations of 3-5 inches of snow. The current forecast suggests the heaviest snow will fall during the 7 and 8 pm ET hours, just before and during the start of the game.

That should make footing on the pitch difficult. It will also smooth the field and pigskin, which can cause more falls, slips and mistakes than usual.

Add in the constant 20-30 mph winds expected to blow off Lake Erie during the game, and both kicking and moving the ball through the air will be difficult.

It will be wet, windy and 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: 35 degrees
Chance of precipitation: 100%
Wind: 20-30 mph (gusts up to 40 mph)

The inclement weather will peak right around game time, as there is an 87% chance of “heavy snow” at 8 p.m. ET. The “Thursday Night Football” game is expected to start at 8:15 PM ET. From there, the wind will stabilize while the precipitation will gradually turn to rain as the game continues.

Below is a look at the hourly Cleveland forecast for Thursday night:

19:00 ET: 35 degrees, heavy snow (83%), 14 mph wind
8 p.m. ET: 35 degrees, heavy snow (87%), 14 mph wind
9 p.m. ET: 38 degrees, Rain/Snow (78%), 13 mph wind
10 p.m. ET: 39 degrees, Rain (73%), 11 mph wind
11 p.m. ET: 40 degrees, Showers (47%), 14 mph wind
Midnight ET: 41 degrees, Showers (36%), 14 mph wind

Browns vs. Steelers fantasy outlook

The weather during the Browns vs. The Steelers game will have an impact on key fantasy contributors in Week 12 — a less-than-ideal reality considering six NFL teams are on byes 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 will be difficult to throw the ball consistently given the strong wind and varying precipitation throughout Thursday’s game. Both Wilson and Winston could draw starting considerations if only one element of the weather were a factor, but neither seems like a good option to back up 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 likely won’t pass the ball consistently on Thursday. That will cause 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 Baltimore Ravens last week, and if Wilson can’t get the ball downfield, Warren could get more opportunities to make plays on swing passes and screens. That makes him a solid flex to rely on 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 space against a stout Steelers run defense (ranked fourth in the NFL allowing 90.8 rushing yards per game), but he’s still a volume threat who could score a touchdown.

Stock drop: WRs George Pickens, Cedric Tillman, Jerry Jewdy and Elijah Moore

Brown’s receivers are coming off a big game against New Orleans Saintsbut they are unlikely 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’s made a big impact outside of the numbers on contested passes. They aren’t as likely to be available to him in this game as Wilson seems to focus on shorter passes. Pickens can still do damage in that area, but his big-play upside will drop significantly.

Stock up: Steelers D/ST and Browns D/ST

If the passing game can’t get going in this contest, both of these NFC North teams will have a chance to post solid defensive plays. Sure, their sack floors will be lowered, but their opponents’ scoring ceiling will also be lowered.

Add to that the fact that a slick football can lead to turnovers and this has the foundation for a defensive struggle. Feel free to root for every team in fantasy football formats, and don’t be afraid to rely on the Browns if you need a bye week streamer.

Stock reduction: K Chris Boswell

Boswell has been one of the best kickers in fantasy football, but the conditions of this game will likely not allow him to make long kicks. That will cover the ceiling and make him more of a middle game. You can still start him if you don’t want two kickers; just don’t expect a big fight out of him.