Cold winter weather will sweep across the United States this weekend, and Cleveland is no exception. The Cleveland Browns have played host to a number of “football weather” games, and their Week 16 contest should add to the list. Forecasts suggest that Cleveland will face below-freezing temperatures and gusty winds this Saturday. The Saints-Browns weather report even includes a chance — currently 50% — of snow.
Bettors looking for an edge on Saturday’s Saints-Browns game should pay close attention to weather forecasts as kickoff approaches. And for an added holiday bonus, BetMGM has partnered with OddsShopper to offer a $25 FREE BET on top of their first-bet insurance of up to $1,000 to new players who sign up for a BetMGM account! Click this link to sign up.
Saints-Browns Weather Report
It’s a bit early to know Saturday’s weather with certainty, but all indications point to some ugly weather for the Saints-Browns game. The National Weather Service has a grim outlook for Cleveland as of Monday afternoon:
Active weather is expected at the end of the week. Widespread cold temperatures and strong winds are expected, and wind chills below zero are possible. Snow accumulations are also possible.
The Weather Channel’s 10-day forecast paints a similarly gloomy picture for the Saints-Browns matchup. Precipitation should start on Thursday and continue through early Saturday. Temperatures will steadily drop from the low-40s to the teens and below. Whatever rain falls early in the week should freeze as the week progresses, and snow will likely fall on top of it. Although the Weather Channel doesn’t expect much accumulation, bettors shouldn’t expect great turf conditions at FirstEnergy Stadium.
But snow needn’t accumulate to derail both offenses on Saturday. Winds of 25 to 40 mph are expected from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, which could blow passes and kicks off their intended courses. Temperatures in the low teens, accompanied by wind chill, could make holding onto the ball difficult — especially if rain and snow leave the field in a soggy state.
The betting markets have already reacted to the dismal weather forecast in Cleveland. The total for Saturday’s game opened in the mid-30s but has plummeted to 31.5. Only eight games since 2003 have closed at that number or lower. The Browns are field goal home favorites. Although Andy Dalton has plenty of experience in these conditions as a former Bengal and Bear, his receivers (except for Jarvis Landry) can’t say the same. Likewise, Deshaun Watson remains untested in difficult AFC North weather. Look for both teams to emphasize their rushing attacks in an ugly, low-scoring affair.
