New England Patriots Anticipate Cold and Potential Precipitation for Upcoming Playoff Games

The New England Patriots are preparing for upcoming playoff contests at Gillette Stadium, where cold temperatures and potential precipitation are anticipated to be factors. Forecasts for Foxborough indicate low temperatures and wind chills, which could influence game play for both the Patriots and their opponents.

Anticipated Weather Conditions at Gillette Stadium

Weather forecasts for Foxborough indicate temperatures in the low 30s during game times, with wind chills potentially ranging from 23°F to 24°F. Precipitation is also expected, with predictions varying between a chance of rain possibly transitioning to snow before 10 p.m., or snowfall likely for most of the afternoon, primarily after 1 p.m. ET. Minimal snow accumulation is expected by some forecasts, while others suggest 1 to 2 inches are possible. Wind gusts are also anticipated to reach up to 23 mph.

Potential Game Impacts

The combination of low temperatures, wet conditions, and wind could present challenges during the game. Ball security has been identified as a critical aspect, given the Patriots recorded 20 fumbles (8 lost) and the Chargers recorded 17 fumbles (7 lost) during the regular season. Regarding the kicking game, Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer stated, "Just strike the ball well. You don’t adjust because of the weather. Your ball is straight, it’s straight. The plant foot, everything like that, it’s going to be the same. You’re not going to hit it lower, hit it higher. It’s just going to be the same. It’s got to be the same for those guys every time."

Team Performance in Cold Weather

The Patriots have recent experience playing in cold conditions this season. They have participated in five to six games with temperatures below 40°F, achieving a record of 4-1 or 5-1 in those contests. This includes a wild card victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. Their most recent game involving snow was a 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills in mid-December, which featured light snowfall.

• Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers have played one game in similar conditions this regular season, securing a 16-13 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 when the kickoff temperature was 18°F.
• Houston Texans: The Texans have less recent experience with snow games, not having played in such conditions since December 2016, and no players from that roster remain on the current team. This season, the Texans won both of their cold-weather games, including a recent victory in Pittsburgh.