Chiefs vs Dolphins highlights: Each rating from Chiefs wild card win – USA TODAY

Midway by way of the fourth quarter of the AFC wild-card matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, half of the Arrowhead Stadium trustworthy began the trek towards the car parking zone. 
This was not an exodus of defeat. The Chiefs led by three possessions and had been effectively on their approach to advancing to subsequent week’s divisional spherical. Who could blame the fans? It was -8 levels Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -28 — barely worse than the -4 (-27 wind chill) at kickoff. They’d braved sufficient harsh climate and had been leaving happy. Coach Andy Reid’s mustache had been coated by icicles for 3 quarters. 
The Chiefs led wire-to-wire in a 26-7 victory Saturday over the Dolphins. The protection dominated, the offense did greater than sufficient, and kicker Harrison Butker booted 4 area targets — a Chiefs postseason file. 
“Guys got here with that angle, that mentality. We knew it was going to be chilly. However all we week had been preaching, ‘Let’s are available with that fireplace,'” Mahomes mentioned.
Kansas Metropolis scored on its opening drive in lower than 4 minutes when Patrick Mahomes related with rookie receiver Rashee Rice for an 11-yard landing. Rice confirmed why he carried the Chiefs’ receiving room down the stretch; he had eight catches on 12 targets for a game-high 130 yards.  
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Coming into the third quarter, the Dolphins had managed simply six first downs. A 53-yard landing from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill — the previous Chief making his Arrowhead return — made it 10-7 early within the second quarter. Miami didn’t rating once more. Apart from Hill’s catch and run, the Dolphins had 98 whole yards on 32 performs because the fourth quarter started. That they had 76 dashing yards all sport. Miami was 1-for-12 on third down. 
Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce caught seven passes for 71 yards however dropped not less than two balls. His accomplice, Taylor Swift, was a favourite of the Peacock cameras — the sport was exclusively streamed on the service — and he or she donned a customized “87” jacket. 
Kansas Metropolis working again Isiah Pacheco (24 rushes, 89 yards) scored a landing from the wildcat formation within the fourth quarter to place the sport away. Edge rusher George Karlaftis recorded 1.5 sacks to guide the protection, and security Mike Edwards intercepted Tagovailoa, who airmailed a go over the center on Miami’s second possession. 
Mahomes wasn’t overly environment friendly (23-for-41, 262 yards). He additionally had two scrambles for a mixed 41 yards on the bottom in key spots to convey the Chiefs into goal-to-go conditions. One space of concern for Kansas Metropolis out of this sport was its red-zone offense. The Chiefs scored TDs on simply two of their six possessions that reached the crimson zone and had been 0-for-2 in goal-to-go spots. 
Lower than three weeks in the past, the Dolphins defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve and managed their very own future for an AFC East title and probably the convention’s prime seed. However they fell in consecutive weeks to the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Payments, the eventual prime two seeds, respectively, and dropped to the No. 6 seed. Their season ended within the wild-card spherical on the highway for the second straight yr. — Chris Bumbaca
The NFL playoffs kicked off with a pair of wild-card blowouts as Kansas Metropolis dispatched Miami with ease at frozen Arrowhead Stadium, whereas the Texans swamped the Browns thanks partially to a meltdown by the Tremendous Bowl 47 MVP.
Nicely … we do not know but! The Chiefs will play the best remaining seed within the AFC. So, if the Payments beat the Steelers Monday, the Chiefs can be touring to Buffalo for the primary highway playoff sport of Patrick Mahomes’ profession. But when the Steelers win, the Chiefs will stay at Arrowhead Stadium, the place they’ll welcome the AFC South champion Houston Texans. The schedule for the divisional spherical will come out later this vacation weekend.
Seven years right into a profession that has featured two NFL MVPs, two Tremendous Bowl titles and a laundry record of accomplishments, Patrick Mahomes nonetheless encountered a primary on Saturday.
On a second-and-7 play with 9:25 remaining within the third quarter, Mahomes scrambled proper and barreled forward for a 13-yard achieve. As he lowered his head, he was met by Dolphins security DeShon Elliott, with the 2 gamers partaking in a helmet-to-helmet collision that sent a piece of Mahomes’ crown flying.
Mahomes was capable of play for 2 performs with the broken helmet earlier than officers made him search out a alternative.
“I used to be very sad as a result of my helmet’s heat and it cracked … and I put the opposite helmet on, and it didn’t match in any respect,” Mahomes mentioned in an interview after the Chiefs’ 26-7 victory. “It was sitting out within the chilly all day lengthy.” 
The vibes had been excessive late Saturday night time in Taylor Swift’s field because the Chiefs closed in on the divisional spherical. The Peacock broadcast confirmed Swift, Donna Kelce and Brittany Mahomes celebrating within the waning minutes of the Chiefs’ sport in opposition to the Dolphins. Swift was beforehand proven singing alongside to one thing with the group.  
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs put collectively a 14-play, 72-yard landing drive to increase their result in 26-7 with 11:06 remaining within the fourth quarter.
Chiefs working again Isiah Pacheco capped off the drive with a 3-yard landing run. Pacheco now has 78 dashing yards on 21 carries. The Chiefs improved to 2-for-6 within the crimson zone.
The Dolphins had been referred to as for 2 roughing the passer penalties to assist Kansas Metropolis prolong the drive
The Chiefs have scored on their final three possessions. Miami hasn’t scored any factors because the second quarter.  — Tyler Dragon
Kicking a rock-solid soccer can’t be enjoyable. However it hasn’t been a problem for Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. 
Butker’s fourth area purpose, a 21-yard chip shot, capped a 13-play, 68-yard drive for the defending Tremendous Bowl champs. Kansas Metropolis led 19-7 with 7:49 left within the third quarter. 
Patrick Mahomes related with tight ends Noah Grey and Travis Kelce for beneficial properties of 20 and 13 yards, respectively. The massive play of the drive got here on a Mahomes 13-yard scramble right down to the Miami 3-yard line. A part of the quarterback’s helmet chipped off following the collision, however he remained within the sport. Kansas Metropolis couldn’t convert within the goal-to-go situation and are 1-for-5 within the crimson zone (0-for-2 in goal-to-go).   
Butker’s 4 area targets are a Chiefs postseason file. None of Butker’s makes have been from additional than 32 yards. 
Rookie wideout Rashee Rice was banged up through the drive. — Chris Bumbaca
With the Chiefs main 16-7 within the third quarter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambled 13 yards to the Dolphins’ 3-yard line earlier than he was stopped wanting the top zone by Miami security DeShon Elliott. Mahomes and Elliott bumped heads on the play, which subsequently cracked Mahomes’ helmet. 
The Chiefs ran two extra performs earlier than referees stopped the sport and the play clock with out charging the Chiefs a timeout for an tools change, so Mahomes might swap out his helmet for a brand new one. — Cydney Henderson
Chiefs rookie WR Rashee Rice has been the most efficient participant in tonight’s sport, main all gamers with seven receptions plus a game-high 102 yards from scrimmage. He additionally has Kansas Metropolis’s solely rating, an 11-yard hookup with QB Patrick Mahomes within the first quarter. Rice joined Elmo Wright as the one Okay.C. rookies with 100-plus receiving yards in a playoff sport. Nevertheless Rice limped off the sector 4 minutes into the third quarter after stumbling close to the sideline following a 10-yard reception. He returned within the fourth quarter, although, and added 28 extra yards together with his eighth catch of the sport. Rice’s 130 receiving yards (and counting) is a brand new file for a Chiefs rookie in a playoff sport. — Nate Davis
HBO’s NFL docuseries, produced together with NFL Movies, has been working for practically a quarter-century because it first detailed the 2001 Baltimore Ravens in coaching camp. However tonight, the 2023 Dolphins grow to be the primary group ever coated by the present through the playoffs. That is the third season throughout which HBO has performed an in-season model of “Laborious Knocks,” the Dolphins following the 2021 Indianapolis Colts and 2022 Arizona Cardinals. — Nate Davis
Chiefs Professional Bowl TE Travis Kelce entered Saturday with the second-most catches (133) and receiving yards (1,548) in NFL playoff historical past, trailing solely legendary Corridor of Famer Jerry Rice. Although he dropped just a few within the first half, Kelce has 5 snags for 55 yards at intermission. He and Patrick Mahomes have connected for 14 postseason TDs, second all-time behind solely the Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski connection (15). — Nate Davis
Premature penalties and inefficient crimson zone offense value the Chiefs within the first half, however they nonetheless have a 16-7 lead at halftime.
The Chiefs scored on 4 of their six possessions within the first half however went 1-for-4 within the crimson zone.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes handed for 167 yards and a landing within the first half. Rookie extensive receiver Rashee Rice produced six catches, 92 yards and Kansas Metropolis’s lone landing. Rice’s catches and receiving yards leads each groups.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has made all three of his area purpose makes an attempt.
Chiefs security Mike Edwards has the sport’s solely interception.
Taking part in in freezing temperatures, the Dolphins haven’t been capable of generate a lot offense. Tua Tagovailoa has simply six completions for 94 yards. Most of Tagovailoa’s yards got here on a 53-yard landing bomb to speedy extensive receiver Tyreek Hill.
Dolphins security DeShon Elliott has a game-high six tackles. — Tyler Dragon
Pop famous person Taylor Swift is shaking off the subzero temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium.
Swift arrived to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs wild-card playoff sport in opposition to the Miami Dolphins sporting a custom puffer jacket that includes the identify and No. 87 variety of Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce, Swift’s beau. The red-and-yellow jacket was created by Kristin Juszczyk, the spouse of San Francisco 49ers All-Professional fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
“An honor of a lifetime!” Kristin Juszczyk wrote on Instagram. “Thanks @taylorswift.”
Kristin Juszczyk transformed Kelce’s football jersey into the puffer coat, that includes No. 87 entrance and heart, along with his quantity and final identify on her sleeve. Swift paired the jacket with an all-black ensemble and white beanie, all the higher to courageous the minus-4 temperature in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. — Cydney Henderson
A Dolphins’ turnover on downs didn’t value them due to a blatant missed name.
On third-and-3 from the Dolphins’ 48-yard line, Patrick Mahomes tossed a deep go to Mecole Hardman. Whereas Hardman was monitoring the soccer, Dolphins security Brandon Jones clearly grabbed the extensive receiver’s jersey because the ball sailed over Hardman’s head incomplete.
Hardman and Mahomes had been visibly pissed off over the non-call because the Kansas Metropolis crowd booed.
The Chiefs had been compelled to punt the soccer away. — Tyler Dragon
A thick mustache is one in all Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s logos. By halftime, the ‘stache of “Large Pink” had frozen over. 
The temperature at Arrowhead Stadium, in line with play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, dropped to -7 Fahrenheit within the second quarter. — Chris Bumbaca
A Jawaan Taylor penalty nullified a Chiefs landing.
The Chiefs once more obtained deep into Miami territory and reached the top zone, however Taylor was referred to as for an unlawful block that negated the TD. The Chiefs settled for a 26-yard Harrison Butker area purpose to provide the membership a 13-7 benefit.
Butker’s related on each his area targets to date — every have been inside 30 yards.
The Chiefs are 1-for-3 within the crimson zone halfway by way of the second quarter. — Tyler Dragon
For many of the season, Tyreek Hill’s explosive velocity was the catalyst for Miami’s (at instances) high-powered offense. He gave the Dolphins a jump-start in opposition to his former group early within the second quarter.
Hill caught his first go of the sport, on a brief, designed play-action completion for 9 yards. On the subsequent play, Tua Tagovailoa dropped again and Hill beat his man on a go route. The ball was barely underthrown, however Hill adjusted to catch it. He evaded a pair of Chiefs defenders to make it to the top zone for a 53-yard landing. 
The Dolphins trailed 10-7 with 14:01 to go within the half. — Chris Bumbaca
The Chiefs transformed a area purpose off Tua Tagovailoa’s interception.
Kansas Metropolis put collectively a 10-play, 48-yard drive and obtained inside Miami’s 15-yard line, however a nasty snap on third down compelled the Chiefs to accept a brief area purpose. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker transformed the 28-yard area purpose with 14:51 on the sport clock within the second quarter to provide Kansas Metropolis a 10-0 lead.
The Chiefs have 121 whole yards early within the second quarter.  — Tyler Dragon
Tua Tagovailoa entered with seven NFL begins in sub-50 diploma temperatures – and Miami was 1-6 in these video games, shedding by a mean of 13.4 factors per sport. 
He’ll must shake off an early turnover to keep away from falling to 1-7. 
With Kansas Metropolis edge rusher George Karlaftis pressuring him, Tagovailoa airmailed a third-and-5 try over the center within the course of receiver Jaylen Waddle. Chiefs security Mike Edwards hauled within the errant go and the Chiefs took over at their very own 42-yard line with three minutes left within the first quarter. 
The Dolphins had a primary down on the earlier play, however rookie working again was flagged for unlawful formation and the brand new set of downs was negated. — Chris Bumbaca
WR Rashee Rice’s 11-yard TD catch extends a current Kansas Metropolis pattern. Three of the group’s final 4 postseason TDs have been scored by first-year gamers, RB Isiah Pacheco and WR Skyy Moore discovering the top zone within the second half of the Chiefs’ 38-35 win in Tremendous Bowl 57. — Nate Davis
The Chiefs got here out throwing within the chilly, and after a first-down conversion from Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce on the third play of the sport, working again Isiah Pacheco took over. He carried 4 instances for 39 yards, together with a 23-yarder. Mahomes then related with a wide-open Rashee Rice for an 11-yard landing. 
Kansas Metropolis led 7-0 3 minutes, 55 seconds into the sport. — Chris Bumbaca
According to a press box announcement, the temperature at kickoff was -4 Fahrenheit, which might make Saturday’s Chiefs-Dolphins contest the fourth-coldest game in league history. The wind chill of -27 was third-lowest on file.  
As we speak is the fourth time the Chiefs and Dolphins have met in postseason … and also you would possibly wish to cease studying right here, Kansas Metropolis followers. 
For these of you continue to right here, Miami is 3-0 in opposition to Okay.C. within the playoffs. The final time the groups clashed within the Tremendous Bowl event, New 12 months’s Eve 1994, Dan Marino and Co. prevailed 27-17 in what turned out to be Corridor of Famer Joe Montana’s ultimate NFL sport.
Going additional again, to Christmas of 1971, the Dolphins topped the Chiefs 27-24 at Kansas Metropolis’s Municipal Stadium (the group moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972). A 37-yard Garo Yepremian area purpose in double additional time ended the longest sport in NFL historical past, 82 minutes and 40 seconds of sport time, the Dolphins in the end advancing to Tremendous Bowl 6 — the place they had been filleted by the Dallas Cowboys. — Nate Davis
Saturday marks 5 years and sooner or later since Patrick Mahomes made his NFL playoff debut. The Chiefs beat the Colts 31-13, although the eventual 2018 league MVP did not go for a TD — although he did run for one whereas throwing for 278 yards. It stays one in all Mahomes’ two postseason appearances with no TD go, the opposite Okay.C.’s Tremendous Bowl 55 blowout loss to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mahomes’ playoff coming-out social gathering additionally marked the ultimate look for Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck, who shocked the NFL world by retiring seven months later. — Nate Davis
The Dolphins and Chiefs kick off in Kansas Metropolis at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday.
This prime time wild-card matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins is airing completely on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
According to the Weather Channel, the kickoff temperature in Kansas Metropolis will be around -4 degrees and can really feel like -21, making this one of the coldest playoff games in NFL history.
Taylor Swift is at frigid Arrowhead Stadium to observe Travis Kelce and the Chiefs tackle the Dolphins.
On a number of events through the ultimate sport of the 2023 NFL common season, NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico supplied viewers a variation of the identical promotion again and again.
“And don’t miss the first-ever completely streamed playoff sport Saturday night time,” Tirico mentioned because the Buffalo Payments battled the Miami Dolphins with the AFC East on the road. “Available only on Peacock.”
Downloading a streaming app to observe an NFL playoff game? For some, the thought appears ludicrous. For an additional sort of media shopper, it’s regular. For the NFL and NBCUniversal, it’s a forward-thinking approach to keep forward of the curve – and make more cash.  — Chris Bumbaca
See all USA Today Sports’ expert NFL picks here.
Ever since Taylor Swift showed up alongside Donna Kelce throughout Kansas Metropolis’s Week 3 win over the Chicago Bears, soccer and music followers have puzzled how typically the pop icon could be seen attending Chiefs video games. She confirmed as much as a number of extra video games, with the final being the Week 17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Swift had been busy along with her Eras Tour in Argentina and Brazil, which included a visit from Kelce in Buenos Aires. 
However with the common season over and the NFL playoffs set to start, Swift could possibly be in attendance for a Tremendous Bowl run earlier than her Eras Tour resumes in early February. Not solely will it captivate audiences, but it surely might additionally give Kelce a lift in his stats. 
Here is how much different Kelce’s performance has been with Swift cheering him on, versus when she isn’t around. — Jordan Mendoza 
Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce has performed in 159 regular-season video games since 2013, beginning in 152 of them. He has caught 907 passes (on 1,267 targets) for 11,328 yards and 74 touchdowns. 
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is shutting down any talks of retirement. 
“I’ve no purpose to cease taking part in soccer,” Kelce said on Thursday forward of the Chiefs’ wild-card weekend playoff matchup against the Miami Dolphins. “I’ve no need to cease anytime quickly.” — Cydney Henderson 
Saturday’s excessive in Kansas Metropolis is forecast to be 5 levels with a low of minus-10. At kickoff, the temperature is forecast to be minus-4 levels (seems like minus-28). 
The NFL file for the coldest sport nonetheless belongs to the 1967 NFL Championship Recreation between the Cowboys and Packers at Inexperienced Bay’s Lambeau Discipline the place the temperature at kickoff was minus-13. — Antonio Fins and Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post 
Here’s the full list of the coldest NFL games ever. 
The matchup in opposition to the Chiefs would be the coldest sport in Dolphins historical past. The Dolphins are 3-7 all-time when the temperature is 23 levels or colder. Miami’s coldest sport was really a win at Kansas Metropolis in 2008, when it was 10 levels. — Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post 
“No sleeves,” Dolphins offensive deal with Terron Armstead mentioned. 
“Sleeveless,” Dolphins defensive deal with Zach Sieler mentioned. 
“You put on sleeves, clearly they’re going to suppose you’re tender,” mentioned Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins receiver who performed six seasons in Kansas Metropolis. — Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post 
The top NFL betting apps favor the Chiefs over the Dolphins of their wild-card playoff sport.   
The Chiefs are 4.5-point favorites over the Dolphins in line with the BetMGM NFL odds.  
The over-under is 43.5, in line with BetMGM. 
Kansas Metropolis is a -225 favourite on the moneyline. In the meantime, Miami is a +195 underdog, in line with BetMGM. 
Neither working again Raheem Mostert nor extensive receiver Jaylen Waddle had been listed as inactive, indicating they’ll go well with up for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins have seen devastating season-ending injuries to Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Andrew Van Ginkel and Cameron Goode. 
As well as, cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) gained’t play, his sport standing listed as out on the team’s injury report.  
Security Jevon Holland (knees) didn’t follow this week and can also be out.
Security DeShon Elliott (calf) additionally didn’t follow this week and is questionable, however McDaniel mentioned he’s optimistic and Elliott wasn’t on the inactive record. “DeShon actually pressed by way of that sport final week. He is not taking reps this week. However he’s cussed. I’m optimistic. However he’ll take on a regular basis,” Dolphins coch Mike McDaniel said. 
Operating again Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) and extensive receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) had been each restricted in follow this week, however didn’t have any setbacks will play. McDaniel said he was optimistic about each. — Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post 
Offensive deal with Wanya Morris (concussion) is listed as out. WR Justyn Ross (hamstring) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) are additionally each out. 
Tyreek Hill (quad/ankle) was limited in practice this week however he’ll play. In Week 18 in opposition to the Payments, he had seven catches for 82 yards and a landing. 
Tight finish Travis Kelce was not listed on the Chiefs’ damage report this week so he is set to play. 
The Dolphins are 20-22 all-time within the NFL playoffs. They’ve performed in 5 Tremendous Bowls, successful two — the final coming 50 years in the past. 
The Chiefs are 20-21 all-time within the playoffs. They’ve gained three Tremendous Bowls (4 championships whole) and appeared in 5 general. 
The Dolphins and Chiefs have performed 29 instances, Kansas Metropolis holding a 16-13 edge and successful the final 5 matchups. The edges have confronted one another thrice within the playoffs — 1971, 1991 and 1994 —  the Dolphins successful all three.  
Offense 
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