The NFL Week 16 slate is set to be deeply affected by brutal winter weather conditions all across the country, but it’s likely the game that’ll experience the most extreme winter conditions is the New Orleans Saints vs. Cleveland Browns matchup. With storms expected to hit Cleveland on Saturday, let’s take a look at the Saints-Browns weather report.
Saints-Browns Weather Report
Per The Weather Channel, the forecast for the Saints-Browns game is calling for a low temperature of 8 degrees at kickoff. But with winds whipping at 28 MPH, the “feels like” temperature will be at a miserable -15 degrees. The snow showers in Cleveland are coming and going, with a 23% chance of snow playing a role, as well.
The Browns are a three-point favorite at home (on DraftKings), with the over/under coming down from 38 to just 32.5 due to the weather report.
With the weather playing a pivotal role in the game, it’ll be near impossible for quarterbacks Andy Dalton or Deshaun Watson to move the ball down the field with the passing attack. Expect both teams to lean on their respective running games to try to manage cold and wind.
“We’ve done all the work we can do in terms of knowing what the weather’s gonna be like,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said via NOLA. “Yet, ultimately, we’re gonna go out on Saturday and go play a game. We’ve just got to see what the conditions are, and then we’ll have to adjust (the game plan) accordingly.”
For Allen, that may mean leaning on running back Alvin Kamara. The veteran has remained the featured back for the bulk of the season, but only eclipsed the 100 yard rushing mark one time (Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks). In the win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, Kamara ran the ball 21 times for 91 yards, adding two receptions for 13 yards.
The Browns will likely implore a similar game plan around Nick Chubb, in a game that’ll be won within the trenches.
If you’re interested in betting on the Saints-Browns matchup – or any other game in Week 16 – there is a free money opportunity with BetMGM. Depositing as little as $10 and up to $1,000, make a risk-free bet and claiming a free $25. Click here to claim your free $25 today.
