The 49ers are preparing for harsh winter weather at Huntington Bank Field, anticipating cold temperatures, strong winds, and possibly light snow. Forecasts call for temperatures around 34 degrees at kickoff and wind gusts reaching up to 29 mph, conditions that could significantly impact both offenses.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked whether he plans to adjust his game plan for the expected weather—and for a Browns defense that has emerged as one of the NFL's toughest.
"Yeah, both of it," Shanahan said. "I mean, last time we went, they had a really good defense, and this time, they have a really good defense, if not better. The rain wasn't great then. It'll probably be worse now. So, we've got to be prepared for it. It's like that this time of the year, and hopefully, we'll get lucky with the weather, but we're assuming the worst."
When pressed for specifics—particularly whether the conditions might push the 49ers to lean more on the run, Shanahan jokingly responded, "Can't give you our secrets, but we're going to air it out, throwing it every play. The harder it rains, the more we're going to throw."
Quarterback Brock Purdy shared earlier in the week that he does not plan to wear a glove for grip in the rain. He was asked if there is any concern about gripping and throwing the football in what is expected to be challenging conditions.
"Possibly," Purdy responded. "I think that's any quarterback in the NFL. If it's some kind of rain or if the ball's wet, it does change the mindset of taking care of the ball. But, at the same time, you do have to drop back, you've got to throw it on time. And if it's not there in time, let's be smart with the ball.
"So, I don't know. I think it just depends on how hard it's raining and really what the conditions are when we get there in the moment. But I've played in rain before, and I've made it happen before. I've gotten the job done before in it, so I'm not going to be afraid or change anything in terms of my preparation going into the week."
Despite Cleveland's home-field advantage and the harsh weather expectations, the 49ers enter the Week 13 matchup as 4.5-point favorites. A win would move San Francisco to 9-4 and keep them firmly in the very competitive NFC playoff race.
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