Across the NFL, there are several critical Week 14 matchups on Sunday. One of these games could be adversely affected by inclement weather.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Indianapolis Colts at 1 p.m. ET tomorrow. Both teams are 8-4, with the Jaguars currently holding the tiebreaker atop the AFC South.
By the time kickoff rolls around, Jacksonville is expected to be in the middle of a severe rainstorm.
Heavy rain, possible thunderstorms expected
According to The Weather Channel, rain will intensify in Jacksonville tonight into tomorrow. There is a 100% chance of precipitation during the game.
“Periods of rain. High 61F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible,” reads the forecast from The Weather Channel for Sunday.
AccuWeather is also calling for “periods of rain, some heavy, and a thunderstorm; a rain jacket may be needed for the football game.” Needless to say, it could get messy.
Delay possible?
If it’s only rain, the game will go on as scheduled. It might be sloppy, but it won’t be stopped.
However, as Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith notes, a thunderstorm may halt the action. NFL policy states that any lightning observed within a 10-mile radius of a stadium will result in a 30-minute delay.
If additional lightning is seen, the 30-minute clock will restart.
A lot on the line Sunday
The Jaguars and Colts have identical 8-4 records and will play each other twice in the final five weeks of the season. A rematch is set for Dec. 28 in Indianapolis.
Additionally, the 7-5 Houston Texans are lurking one game off the pace in the AFC South and also remain in the mix for a wild card spot. The Texans beat the Colts 20-16 last week and will face Indianapolis again in Week 18.
Houston and Jacksonville split their two-game series this season.
