If you’re staring at your fantasy lineup or a betting slip right now, you probably care more about the thermometer in Denver than your own morning coffee. It is Divisional Round Saturday. The stakes are massive. Honestly, when we talk about the espn nfl weather report today, we aren't just checking if fans need a parka; we are looking for the exact moment a 15-mph gust turns a 45-yard field goal into a total disaster.
Today, January 17, 2026, the NFL postseason heads into two very different environments. We’ve got the high-altitude chill of the Rockies and the damp, misty coast of the Pacific Northwest.
The Mile High Freeze: Bills vs. Broncos
Denver is usually a wildcard in January, but today looks surprisingly manageable for the passing game. Mostly. The temperature at kickoff (4:30 PM EST) at Empower Field at Mile High is hovering around 34°F. That’s brisk, sure, but for Josh Allen and Bo Nix? It's basically a spring day.
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What the espn nfl weather report today emphasizes is the wind. Currently, we’re seeing steady south-southeast winds around 6 mph. That is negligible. However, Denver’s atmosphere is thin. Kicking the ball in 34-degree air in the thin altitude usually helps the ball carry, but the cold air is denser than warm air, which slightly offsets that "Denver boost."
- Kickoff Temp: 34°F
- Sky: Clear
- Wind: 6 mph (SE)
- Impact: Low. Expect the deep ball to be a major factor for both offenses.
If you’ve watched Bo Nix this season, you know he’s played better in the elements than most experts expected. The Bills, meanwhile, are basically a winter-weather franchise. This isn't the "Snow Bowl" some were hoping for, but the dropping temperatures as the sun goes down will make the ball feel like a brick by the fourth quarter.
Rain and Rivalry: 49ers vs. Seahawks
Over in Seattle, Lumen Field is bracing for an NFC West slugfest. The espn nfl weather report today for the 8:00 PM EST slot is actually looking pretty decent for January in the Emerald City. We are looking at 43°F with clear skies.
Wait, clear skies in Seattle? Believe it.
The humidity is always the silent killer at Lumen Field. Even without active rain, that heavy, damp air makes the ball slick. Sam Darnold—who is reportedly dealing with an oblique injury—will have to grip a heavy ball tonight. The wind is currently a non-factor at 3 mph, meaning Brock Purdy should have a clean pocket and a clear path for those intermediate crossers the Niners love.
Expert Note: Even with 0% precipitation, the dew point in Seattle tonight suggests a "heavy" track. Footing might be an issue for the speedsters like Christian McCaffrey or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
What the Weather Experts Get Wrong
Most people just look at the little rain icon on their phone and panic. That’s a mistake. In the playoffs, the wind is the only "true" game-changer.
You’ve gotta look at the "RealFeel." In Denver, while it says 34°F, the lack of sun by the second half means the "RealFeel" will plummet into the mid-20s. That’s when muscles tighten up. That’s when a simple slant route becomes a dropped pass because the receiver’s hands are numb.
Looking Ahead to Tomorrow’s Mess
While today is relatively "clean," the espn nfl weather report today is sounding the alarm for Sunday. If you are planning ahead, Foxborough and Chicago are looking like frozen nightmares.
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- Texans at Patriots: 35°F with a 78% chance of snow. C.J. Stroud in the snow is a storyline everyone is watching.
- Rams at Bears: 21°F and likely snow. The wind at Soldier Field is projected to hit 13 mph. That is "under" territory for bettors.
Basically, if you’re looking for high-flying offense, today is your day. Tomorrow is for the ground-and-pound specialists.
Impact on Your Strategy
If you’re playing Daily Fantasy (DFS) or looking at props, the lack of wind today is a green light for the over.
Josh Allen’s rushing floor becomes even more important in the cold. When it’s 30 degrees, defenders don’t want to tackle a 240-pound human moving at full speed. It hurts. Similarly, expect the Seahawks to lean heavily on Kenneth Walker III as the Seattle air gets crisper tonight.
The espn nfl weather report today shows that while it’s cold, the "unplayable" conditions aren't here yet. We are in that sweet spot of "Football Weather"—cold enough to be tough, but not so bad that it ruins the product.
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Key Takeaways for Today’s Games
- Denver: No snow, light winds. The altitude is the bigger story than the cold. Advantage: Offenses.
- Seattle: Surprisingly dry. Damp air might make the ball slightly slippery, but no wind means the passing games are a go.
- The "Vegas" Factor: Odds haven't shifted much because the weather has remained stable.
The biggest thing to watch isn't the sky; it’s the sideline. Watch for how many "hot seats" (the heated benches) the players are using. If a team looks miserable on the sideline in the second quarter, they’re usually done by the fourth.
What you should do next: Keep an eye on the pre-game warmups about 60 minutes before kickoff. Check for any "swirling" flags at the top of the goalposts in Denver—if those flags start snapping hard, the deep passing game for Allen and Nix goes out the window. If the field looks "shiny" in Seattle during warmups, it means the condensation is settling, and you should expect more fumbles than usual.
Stay warm out there. Or at least stay warm on your couch.