The Green Bay Packers will welcome their opponent to frigid temperatures for the divisional round of this year’s playoffs. Initial weather reports indicate that temperatures could possibly be in the single digits.
The Packers are still unsure of who they play or when they will play, which could change the scope of next week’s kickoff. The temperatures for Saturday, January 22, could reach the mid-teens, with wind chills dropping temperatures to single digits. However, according to WFRV’s Luke Sampe, the temperatures could be even colder on Sunday.
UPDATE 1/12/22: Latest ensemble model run of the GFS has single digits air temps in the midday hours of January 23.
Any wind would bring subzero wind chills.
It’s still early but looking COLD for the #Divisional round of the #NFL #playoffs at #Lambeau field. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/tQV4stH7vM
— Luke Sampe (@LukeSampe) January 12, 2022
Right now, the highs are only expected to reach single digits with a wind chill in the negatives should Green Bay take the field on the 23rd. Thus, giving the Packers a competitive advantage no matter who they face.
Clinching home-field advantage is a top goal for this team every season. Not only does it mean Green Bay gets to play in front of their own fans, but it also brings an outside team into the bitter cold of the Wisconsin winter.
The Minnesota Vikings experienced this in Week 17 when the Packers hosted them in temperatures that hovered around single digits. Minnesota is, of course, a cold-weather team, but Green Bay dominated them in a 27-point win.
Having the luxury of playing a warm-weather team such as the Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals or the San Francisco 49ers could heavily favor the Packers. Their final opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, has the best chance of acclimating to the cold, but first, they must get through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Should Green Bay advance to the NFC Championship for the third-straight year, their thoughts on the weather will be the colder, the better.