An early Super Bowl 55 rain weather forecast may complicate how NFL bettors will wager on the NFL Championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Should Super Bowl LV rain cause NFL bets to change ahead of the big game at Rayond James Stadium?
Super Bowl 55 Weather Forecast Says Rain: Should Bettors Be Worried?
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network started a Twitter storm with this report on Accuweather’s early prognosis for Sunday conditions at Raymond James Stadium:
According to @accuweather, thunderstorms are in the forecast for Super Bowl Sunday. The early prediction: 71 degrees with a 75% chance of rain 🤦🏻♂️☔️
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 3, 2021
To expand on this Rapoport tweet according to this SBNation study of how wind affects college football games:
- If a game has 17 mph winds or more, Unders hit 60% of the time
- Under 17, it’s 55-58%
- With any precipitation, Unders hit 56% percent of the time
- If more than 1 inch of rain, it’s 70% Unders
Super Bowl 55 Weather Outlook
Naturally, when we see that weather can affect an NFL game, we panic and overreact.
While we don’t have to worry about snow in Super Bowl 55, the latest Super Bowl LV weather report suggests that we could get rain (75% chance).
Although the anticipated rain is expected to fall prior to the start of the game — earlier in the day on Super Bowl Sunday — there could still be some lingering precipitation during the contest. Regardless, we will likely be looking at a wet field in Tampa Bay.
Despite the heavy chance of rain, wind gusts are projected to be right around 9 mph.
Humidity also could affect things is humidity. Super Bowl 55 is forecasted at 66 degrees Fahrenheit with 87% humidity.
A humid climate could make a player fatigued and out of breath quicker, which could take that player off the field more frequently. A player could also become dehydrated while their muscles cramp up, with more opportunities for players to miss plays.
Super Bowl 55 won’t be a perfect Super Bowl weather-wise, but it could be a lot worse.
Super Bowl 55 Rain Weather Forecast: Should Bettors Be Worried? Super Bowl LV rain could mean a larger rushing attack for both teams — which could give the advantage to Leonard Fournette’s Buccaneers. (USA TODAY Sports)
Will Super Bowl Rain Impact Chiefs-Bucs?
The last, and really the only, time a Super Bowl was played in significant rain was back in 2007 (Super Bowl 41).
Consequentially, that game was also played in Florida — Miami to be exact. In that contest, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears. This game also had heavy wind gusts upwards toward 20 mph.
In my findings, there were three other Super bowls played in the rain: Super Bowls 3, 4, and 13. However, the rain in those games was light and sporadic.
While rain and snow could impact any NFL game, strong winds are usually the cause for significant concern.
When it rains, you can still throw the football. Sure, the ball is slippery and more difficult to catch, but it’s not impossible, especially for NFL talent.
Heavy winds are much worse. Sure, you can still pass the ball, but the wind can impact every throw. The ball could be under and overthrown as a result of the wind. It could also make the ball shift direction.
Winds could also impact special teams. If a ball is caught up in the wind on a kickoff or a point, it could affect field position. If a ball is impacted by the wind on an extra point or a field goal, potential points could be added or removed by the wind.
In the case of rain, the biggest impact it will make is on the field itself. Regardless of grass or turf, wet grounds will impact a player’s ability to plant their feet and make cuts, as well as their overall traction and speed. It could also change the pace of the game.
While both sides are loaded with talent and speed, the Chiefs rely on their offense’s speedy playmakers that include Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, and Mecole Hardman a bit more. If those receivers can’t get going and are made “human" speed-wise, it could be a tremendous handicap for Kansas City’s normally high-octane offense.
Travis Kelce isn’t necessarily fast but might be targeted more due to his sure hands and outstanding after-the-catch abilities.
