The Chiefs and the Dolphins square off at Arrowhead on a cold January day in a Wildcard matchup that’s certain to be a fight until the end.
It just might be the coldest NFL game of all time. The Chiefs and the Dolphins teams have met 29 times in the regular season, and the Chiefs are 16-13 overall, and the Dolphins have won all three meetings in the postseason.
At first glance, it appears the Chiefs have the home-field advantage, even with the frigid temperatures. However, both teams will benefit from running the ball. That football is going to be hard and cold. Do any fans really think a receiver will want to catch it?
This will be the time for players like Isiah Pacheco, Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice to shine. Pacheco and Kelce are certainly good to go for the running game; it’s more than likely how the Chiefs will be able to score on the Dolphins. If Patrick Mahomes chooses to throw, Kelce and Rice are also good targets.
The Dolphins are ready for the cold. Are they used to it? Of course not. However, they have been working on being mentally prepared for the cold temperatures. Their defense might be one of the few things standing between them and a loss.
The Dolphins finished the season ranked 10th in defense, with Jalen Ramsey and David Long leading the way. However, remember that Miami has lost ten straight when the temperature is 40 degrees or colder. Tyreek Hill has experience playing in the cold when he was with Kansas City, so it might not be too much of a factor for him.
Last season, Miami looked pretty good when playing in Buffalo during wintertime, but on the other hand, it will be colder in Kansas City. You can be mentally prepared, but it will still be bitterly cold. Both teams might utilize the running game to make for an interesting back-and-forth.
Click here for more playoff game previews
Game Info
Date: January 13, 2024
Start time: 7:00 p.m. CST
Location: Kansas City, MO.
Stadium: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
TV Info: NBC, Peacock
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings.
Point Spread: KC +5(-112), MIA -5(-108)
Moneyline: KC(-238), MIA(+195)
Over/Under: 43.5 KC(-112), MIA(-108)
The Chiefs are the favorite to win, but with the weather being a factor, it will be anyone’s game.
What To Watch For
As mentioned previously, Kansas City and Miami will likely utilize the run game more than the passing game. The winner will be whoever can execute the running game and have their defense take their opponent’s offense out of the game. Kansas City has more experience in the cold weather, and Miami has been riddled with injuries. Watch for the Dolphins to attempt to make up for that somehow with their offense. The question would be whether they will succeed or not. Tua Tagovailoa does not have experience playing in extremely cold conditions, so keep your eyes on his performance. The Dolphins might have a chance if he can acclimate to the conditions.
Watch for the Chiefs to be more rested since they did sit some starters in Week 18. Look for them to take advantage of a banged-up Miami defense. The offensive line for the Chiefs should be able to keep the pressure off Mahomes. If they can do that, then magic might happen. Or Pachecho will run like he is angry at the weather.
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
