Cold Front Boosts Patriots’ Odds in Playoff Clash with Texans
A strong cold front is poised to impact Massachusetts as the New England Patriots prepare to face the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs. This game will take place at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.
Weather Conditions Ahead of the Game
Weather forecasts indicate that the game may experience messy conditions, particularly later in the match. Meteorologist Ian Oliver from FOX Weather noted that snow showers are expected to move through Foxborough on Saturday, with potential for a more significant storm on Sunday evening.
Sunday’s Forecast
- Low temperature: 24 degrees
- High temperature: 35 degrees
- Sunset time: 4:42 p.m.
Impact on Game Conditions
With the cold temperatures and possibilities of snow, the game has been classified under a medium risk of weather impact. Oliver emphasized that while snow showers may occur, their timing remains uncertain. “The question mark is the amount of snow showers and when they would arrive,” he stated.
Betting Odds and Statistics
The over/under for this matchup on FanDuel is currently set at 41.5 points. Additionally, statistics reveal that teams accustomed to playing indoors, particularly in domes, typically struggle in sub-freezing temperatures during the playoffs. According to Pro-Football Reference, these teams are just 2-15 in such conditions.
Teams’ Experience with Cold Weather
The Texans have only participated in two outdoor games this season that featured freezing temperatures. Both were noteworthy: a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 12 and last week’s wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Given the expected cold, this scenario undoubtedly favors the Patriots.
Conclusion
The arrival of the cold front delivers an added home-field advantage for the Patriots. As they prepare for their showdown against the Texans, conditions are set to influence the overall game dynamics significantly.
