Bills vs. Steelers weather forecast is snowy, windy, frigid for playoff game

Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

There are snow showers in the forecast when the No. 2 seed Bills invite the No. 7 seed Steelers to Orchard Park this Sunday for a Wild Card game.

While quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills have closed out the season hot, winning five straight to claim the AFC East division title, the Steelers are on a streak of their own, finishing with three consecutive wins.

Which team will the weather favor in this key contest?

Buffalo Bills weather for Sunday playoff game

It could be classic January weather for Orchard Park on Sunday, with the National Weather Service in Buffalo calling for a high near 25 degrees and a 70% chance of precipitation. The game kicks off at Highmark Stadium at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The AccuWeather forecast has more details into the conditions, calling for 3.5 inches of accumulation from snow squalls. Gusts could be up to 41 mph, with winds out of the west at 21 mph. The forecast is even more certain of snow, with a 80% chance of precipitation to go with a 24-degree high temperature.

How Bills vs. Steelers weather is impacting odds, betting

Concerns about the forecast Sunday likely played a role in the over/under for the Bills game dropping from 41.5 on Sunday evening to 36.5. While the possible snow catches attention, the forecasted wind will likely have a bigger impact on the game.

  • Every passing metric decreases as winds become stronger, including production measures and efficiency metrics, according to Covers, a sports betting information service.

  • There’s a negative correlation between wind speed and passing yards, as well as points, according to betting site RotoGrinders.

RotoGrinders has flagged the Bills game with an orange for weather impact, citing cold temperatures, sustained winds around 15 mph and potential snow. The Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup has the same designation in light of frigid temperatures, expected to be around 0 degrees by the end of the day.

  • This will be the first matchup between the Bills and Steelers since Oct. 9, 2022, which Buffalo won handily, 38-3. Allen had 424 passing yards and four touchdowns, along with an interception.

  • The Bills game will be on local CBS channels, including WROC (Channel 8) in Rochester, WIVB in Buffalo and WTVH in Syracuse. Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson will call the game.

— Steve Howe covers weather, climate and lake issues for the Democrat and Chronicle and his favorite NFL team is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Have any insight into changing weather or climate? Share with him at showe@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills vs. Steelers weather: Playoff forecast is snowy, windy, frigid

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