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| Ian Oliver |
A FOX Weather meteorologist and avid New England Patriots fan says Sunday's AFC Championship game at Denver's Mile High Stadium gives his team a weather edge, despite the challenges of high altitude and cold conditions.
Ian Oliver told Sports Illustrated that the thinner air at Denver's elevation (over 5,280 feet) reduces oxygen per breath, potentially fatiguing players, but it also cuts drag on the ball—enabling longer field goals, with Mile High often the site of NFL records in the 60- to 65-yard range.
Forecasts call for kickoff temperatures in the teens (°F), winds of 10-15 mph, and wind chills between 0 and 5°F.
Oliver noted these elements will impact the game but represent better conditions than the Patriots faced last week and far milder than recent harsh weather expected in Foxborough.
As a self-described big Patriots supporter, Oliver highlighted New England's familiarity with cold, windy Northeast environments as a potential advantage when traveling west to face the Broncos in the thin air and chill.