Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots: Playing in a Winter Wonderland

Ref whistles ring, are you listening,
In the slot, snow is glistening.
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight
Playing in a Winter Wonderland

This afternoon's weather forecast should make for an interesting and entertaining game in Chicago's Soldier Field.

An important game between the Bears and the New England Patriots may take place in the worst winter weather conditions seen in an NFL game in a generation.

Temperatures are slated to fall into the teens during the game, with single digit wind chills at kickoff.  Some 35 mile-per-hour winds are forecast to see gusts as high as 50 according to ESPN reports. 

Snow has been falling on the field as fast as they can clean it off, and will not only effect the field during the game, but the mixture with the winds will effect visibility.

Both teams lead their respective divisions late in this 2010 season, with the Bears' 9-3 record on top of the NFC North and the Patriots on top of the AFC East with a record of 10-2 following a crushing win over the New York Jets last week.

Fantasy football owners of key Patriots and Bears with concern this week should expect a run-heavy game, making players such as Matt Forte, Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis decent options for play. 

While Tom Brady usually plays well in winter weather, the wind gusts will restrict him to short passes, making Woodhead more appealing, as well as tight ends on both teams.  Big play wideouts likely won't see many chances, and you might consider swapping kickers if you have one playing in this game.

Most markets will be able to view this game on CBS in the afternoon game slot today.

This is not the only NFL game today to deal with wild winter weather conditions.  The already-delayed game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants will now take place on Monday night in Detroit after the Metrodome roof collapsed under 15 inches of snow.