Strong Winds, Heavy Rains Could Hamper Pats, Bears Playoff Chances

The Patriots need to beat the Bills today if they're to have any chance to make the playoffs. Originally scheduled for a 1PM EST kickoff, 50-mph wind gusts could push back the start, and when the game eventually gets underway, the conditions will almost certainly wreak havoc on the players, strategy, Bill Belichick's wig, etc.

NFL Network's Scott Hanson drew the short straw and is currently on location in Buffalo, and he reports -- between the 50-mph wind-aided punches to the face -- that the goal posts have been blown sideways. And while the grounds crew can fix the problem (with a little rope and a level), it could be an ongoing issue all afternoon.

Hanson also explains that the team benches have been moved against the stadium walls because they had previously been rolling through the playing field like tumbleweeds. Hanson's colleague, Adam Schefter says that commissioner Roger Goodell, currently in Baltimore, "is being apprised of this situation. ... The league will decide whether or not action will be taken."

It sounds like the weather will move through the area by late afternoon, so there's no threat of having to postpone the game until a later date, but that doesn't mean the elements won't have a bearing on the outcome. The Pats have struggled to run the ball most of the season, and the Bills have had just as much trouble against the run.

If given the choice, however, I'm guessing Buffalo would rather take their chances against Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk than Wes Welker and Randy Moss. That said, I don't see New England losing this game.

In other weather-related news, Stephanie Stradley sends along this note about the Bears-Texans matchup:

... [The] weather could affect the ... game. The [Reliant Stadium] roof has to be open due to [Hurricane] Ike damage and the field is grass that is brought in on trays and connected together. It has drainage holes but nobody knows how the surface will hold with torrential rain storms which is what happening right now. It's never rained hard on game day with the roof open. It's the gulf coast. We have hard rains that are called gullywashers. This could be bad.

To make the postseason, the Bears have to win and get some help. Hope the equipment manager packed the hip waders.

Photo caption: HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 13: The roof of Reliant Stadium, home of the NFL's Houston Texans, is shown damaged by Hurricane Ike in this aerial view September 13, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ike caused extensive damage along the Texas Gold Coast, leaving millions without power. (Photo by David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)