
Playoff football in January often brings unpredictable weather, and Saturday afternoon in Charlotte could be a perfect example of that. As the Carolina Panthers get set to host the Los Angeles Rams in a Wild Card showdown, the weather is expected to play a noticeable role in how the game unfolds.
This is not shaping up to be a cold-weather grind, but it may be a wet and unsettled afternoon that forces both teams to adjust on the fly. The Panthers enter the postseason as the NFC South champions after winning the division via tiebreaker, while the Rams arrive as the fifth seed at (12-5).
With kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX at Bank of America Stadium, conditions could change throughout the game, making preparation and in-game decisions even more important than usual.
Saturday’s Wild Card matchup will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Carolina hosts Los Angeles after finishing atop the NFC South, while the Rams come in as a dangerous road team with playoff experience.
The two teams are familiar with each other. They met on November 30, when the Panthers edged the Rams 31-28 in a tight game. This rematch carries higher stakes, and the weather could add another layer of difficulty.
According to the weather.com forecast, Saturday afternoon in Charlotte is expected to be warm but unsettled. Temperatures around kickoff should be near 70 degrees, well above typical January averages. Skies are expected to be cloudy, with showers likely in the area.
The chance of rain during the afternoon sits around 60 percent, with winds out of the south-southwest at roughly 10 to 20 mph. Humidity levels will be high, which could make the air feel heavier as the game progresses.
As the afternoon turns into early evening, the forecast shows an increased chance for heavier rain and possible thunderstorms. Between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., showers are expected to become more consistent, with thunder possible later in the game window.
Temperatures are projected to slowly dip from the upper 60s into the mid 60s by early evening. Winds should remain steady, shifting slightly but staying in the 10 to 15 mph range.
Rain and slick conditions could impact footing, ball security, and play calling. Quarterbacks may need to be cautious with grip, while running backs and receivers will be tested on cuts and balance. Special teams could also be affected, especially on longer kicks with wind and rain in play.
Unlike cold-weather games where both teams expect harsh conditions, this setup may require constant adjustment as showers move through the area.
With rain expected and thunderstorms possible, the weather could influence momentum swings in Saturday’s Panthers-Rams matchup. Carolina’s familiarity with its home conditions may help, but both teams will need to stay disciplined and adaptable.
While the Rams are big favorites on the road, one thing that could neutralize this game is the weather. Something to keep an eye out for in Charlotte on Saturday.
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