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2025NFLWeek 17

Highly-Anticipated Week 17 NFL Contest Will Reportedly Face Brutal Weather Conditions, Including Massive Flood Warning

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

NFL stadium impacted by heavy rain (Photo By Stan Szeto-Imagn Images)

The weather is becoming concerning ahead of Sunday’s NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles. Forecasts call for heavy rain around kickoff, with a chance of flooding. That has people around the league worried.

The rain could strongly affect the game. Wet conditions may make passing and kicking harder and force teams to adjust their game plans. Players and coaches are getting ready for a sloppy and unpredictable matchup.

RotoGrinders’ chief meteorologist Kevin Roth mentioned the game carries serious weather concerns. He warned that conditions could get worse as the game continues.

“I’m increasingly thinking that it absolutely pours all game,” Roth said. “The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from 1PM Sunday through Monday afternoon, and while that doesn’t necessarilly mean the heaviest of the rain comes in-game, it does tell us something about the nature of the rain (very, very heavy).”

He also added, “High-res models DO show some of the heaviest of that rain during game-time. That’s not set in stone more than 24 hours ahead of gametime as I write this, but it looks likely as there is good model agreement. That’s an issue for offense and special teams.”

Both teams have already clinched playoff spots, but bad weather could still flip the game fast. Several Week 15 games were also heavily affected by rough weather.

Run Games May Decide Everything Amid Bad Weather

; Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles (Photo By Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

Buffalo comes in at 11-4 with one of the NFL’s top offenses. The Bills average nearly 29 points per game and lead the league in rushing. James Cook leads with 1,532 rushing yards this season. Moreover, Josh Allen is also set to play after coming back from injury.

Philadelphia sits at 10-5 and plays a more balanced style. The Eagles give up just 19.3 points per game and often win by controlling the clock. Saquon Barkley leads their run game and has been especially strong late in the year.

If the rain gets heavy, both teams will likely run the ball even more. With Wet weather conditions, passing is risky. Quarterbacks struggle to grip the ball. Receivers slip. Kickers have a hard time planting their feet.

That could be a problem for Buffalo’s defense. The Bills have allowed 150 or more rushing yards in seven games this season. A muddy field could make that weakness stand out.

Philadelphia may try to slow the pace and keep the ball. Buffalo could do the same to avoid mistakes. That would lead to longer drives and fewer big plays.

With the forecast calling for rain, the weather could end up being the biggest factor in Sunday’s game.

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