Road to MetLife Stadium: Patriots fare well in the cold among final four teams

Snow is in the forecast for the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium, at least according to the Farmer's Almanac.

While the Patriots still have a ways to go to get there, that doesn't mean we can't think about the big game.

Stats.com analyzed the play of quarterbacks and kickers in sub-40 degree weather versus above 40 degree weather, in both the regular season and post-season. Obviously, they just looked at the final four.

The good news for Patriots fans is that they are represented well in the "Hot Performers" category in cold weather. Of course, us Patriots fans know this quite well after all of the memorable snow games we've had in New England.

According to stats.com:

• Brady has more starts (48), more wins (42), and a higher winning percentage (.875; minimum 10 starts) in sub-40 degree games – including postseason – than any other active NFL quarterback.
• Brady is 11-1 in his career on the road in sub-40 degree games. His only such loss came in Week 5 of the 2009 season at Denver (20-17, OT; 30 degrees).

• Gostkowski is 16 of his last 16 FG attempts in sub-40 degree games, going back to December 2011. All 16 FG attempts came at home.

That's all well and good, but hopefully, the Patriots can get to New York in February where the temperatures should be at those levels. Unfortunately, it will be about 50 degrees with no wind in Denver this weekend. Which is good for Peyton Manning, who hasn't done too well in cold temperatures.

• Manning is 0-4 in sub-40 degree playoff games, throwing just four touchdowns versus nine interceptions for a 57.3 quarterback rating; this is 39.3 points lower than Manning’s overall post-season rating (96.6).
• Manning is 1-4 in his career against New England in sub-40 games, losing most recently in Week 12 this season at New England (22 degrees).

Hopefully, by some miracle, the temperatures drop in Denver, because the underdog Patriots might need all the help they can get against a loaded Denver team.

“In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’m working as part of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving special access to MetLife events and be conducting reader giveaways, with prizes provided by MetLife and Sony Electronics. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own. “

• “I am currently a member of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement. While MetLife and Sony Electronics provide me materials and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in PatriotsLife are my own.”