Fantasy Football 2012: The NFL's Most Weather/Fantasy-Friendly Schedules

The following 17 teams should have a minimum of 13 weather-friendly games this season, based on the just-released NFL schedule and historical likelihood of snow, sleet, ice or strong winds wreaking havoc in certain markets from Weeks 12-17.

Obviously, it's impossible to predict which September-December games will be subjected to torrential rains, but it's also reasonable to conclude that cities like Buffalo, Chicago, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Philadelphia, among others, will be susceptible to poor playing conditions anytime after the Nov. 18 round of games.

From a numbers standpoint, this is simply the first small step in predicting fantasy goodness (especially with quarterbacks) and settling potential draft-day quandaries among running backs and receivers—all other factors being equal.

To clarify, though, no one is suggesting that Dolphins QB Matt Moore is a better fantasy prospect than Tom Brady due to more favorable weather conditions. That would be insane.

16 games

Atlanta

The Falcons have zero back-to-back home games, but at least Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones shouldn't encounter any weather-related roadblocks.

15 games

Houston

The only cold-weather hiccup is the prime-time clash with the Patriots on Dec. 10. But if memory serves, the temps for last November's Kansas City-New England game on Monday Night Football approached record lows.

Indianapolis

It's hard to get a handle on the Colts' roster right now; but at least we know QB Andrew Luck won't have cold temps and stifling crosswinds to blame for his rookie interceptions.

Tennessee

This bodes well for RB Chris Johnson and whichever quarterback is running the Titans' show (Matt Hasselbeck/Jake Locker) in November and December. Fingers crossed on Kenny Britt staying healthy all year.

Jacksonville

As Blaine Gabbert's stats from a brutal 2011 may attest (2,214 yards passing, 12 TDs, 11 INTs), the specter of ideal playing conditions does not automatically translate to shiny fantasy numbers.

Detroit

Matthew Stafford proved last year that December games in Green Bay (520 yards passing, five TDs) are not always a hindrance to beaucoup fantasy stats.

Tampa Bay 

It's scary to think how vastly improved the Bucs can be with 15 ideal-weather games—and Trent Richardson sharing the rushing load with LeGarrette Blount.

New Orleans

Saints QB Drew Brees had 16 weather-friendly games last year and finished with 46 touchdowns and an NFL single-season record of 5,476 yards passing.

14 games

Oakland

It's more imperative for the Raiders to remain healthy all season (ahem, Darren McFadden) than who/when/where they play in November and December.

San Diego 

So, the Chargers volunteered to fly cross-country during Christmas Week for a second straight year, huh? The weather slate looks manageable for Philip Rivers and Co., minus two December roadies against the Steelers and Jets.

Minnesota

Christian Ponder and Percy Harvin must rise up to help Adrian Peterson (recovering from ACL surgery) in his time of need.

Carolina

Fantasy owners, take note. Cam Newton and WR Steve Smith should have ideal playing conditions for Weeks 14-17.

Dallas

The Cowboys' passing game should function well with this closing schedule, although late-season roadies to Cincinnati and Washington, D.C. may lead to some windy adventures.

Arizona

Let's remember our golden rule in all Points Per Reception leagues: NEVER bench Larry Fitzgerald!

St. Louis

It'll be interesting to see if the Rams are a pass-first or run-oriented attack come December. The good weather should promote more passing opportunities for QB Sam Bradford.

San Francisco

The 49ers' weather slate is idyllic—until their back-to-back roadies with New England and Seattle in late December. Ouch.

13 games

Chicago

Just like with the Raiders, weather worries run secondary to durability issues surrounding Bears QB Jay Cutler and his old Denver pal, wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.