The upcoming game at Empower Field at Mile High is sure to chill both players and fans. The Denver Broncos will take on the New England Patriots on a cold Sunday afternoon. The temperature is expected to hover around 16 degrees with a 60% chance of snow when the game starts at 1 PM MDT.
Highs for the day are forecast at 19 degrees, accompanied by winds of about 12 miles per hour. It’s a typical setting for championship football. Fans heading to the game should dress warmly to endure the winter weather.
On the other side, the Patriots are also coming off a snowy game. Last week at Foxboro, the conditions were tough, and players struggled to hold onto the ball due to a wet and slick field.
Head Coach Sean Payton isn’t too worried about the cold weather. He believes rain would be a bigger concern. “Really, cold is relative,” Payton noted, emphasizing that his team is used to dealing with various weather conditions. He added, “We’ve seen colder days than this in the playoffs,” referencing past games, including one against the Cincinnati Bengals that was notably frigid.
With a mild Rocky Mountain winter leading up to this game, it suddenly feels like a dramatic shift. Weather can undoubtedly impact game strategy. Payton mentioned that his team will be prepared beyond just the basics, like hand warmers and heavy coats.
The Broncos face unique challenges on offense. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham will make his first start in over 700 days. The absence of running back J.K. Dobbins adds pressure, especially in snowy conditions. Dobbins was expected to play but has been ruled out.
The Patriots had mixed results last week against the Texans. Quarterback Drake Maye threw 27 passes, completing 16 for 179 yards and scoring three touchdowns, though he also fumbled twice. The Texans didn’t fare well, with their quarterback throwing four interceptions in the first half, showing they were unprepared for the weather.
In contrast, the Patriots have a history in similar conditions. They are 0-4 against the Broncos in playoff games in Denver, making this matchup an uphill battle. Add the demands of playing in the thin air of Denver, and it poses an extra challenge for Maye.
As both teams get ready, the weather may play a crucial role in dictating the game’s outcome. If the Broncos can secure a win amidst the snow, they will move on to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, a much warmer destination compared to the current forecast.
For more insights on this match and weather effects in football, check out this analysis.
