Kansas City Chiefs dominate Dolphins in sub-zero wild-card win

The Kansas City Chiefs are bound for the AFC’s Divisional Round after a hot start to yet another playoff run.Their path through the postseason began in the bitter cold at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium with a dominant 26-7 win over the visiting Miami Dolphins.Temperatures were sub-zero by the 7:10 p.m. kickoff on Saturday between AFC’s No. 3 seeded Chiefs and No. 6 seeded Dolphins. The matchup delivered the highly-anticipated return of former Kansas City wideout Tyreek Hill to the home of the Chiefs. For Chiefs Kingdom, the game did not disappoint. Couldn’t watch the ‘Cheetah’s’ Arrowhead homecoming live? You can catch the biggest moments, storylines, and post-game conferences from the wild-card playoff matchup in this article. Final Score | Dolphins 7 – 26 Chiefs| Kansas City Wins The Chiefs now head to the AFC’s Divisional Round where they will face either the No. 2 seeded Buffalo Bills in New York or the No. 4 seeded Houston Texans at home.Kansas City’s opponent is dependent on the outcome of the Bills matchup on Monday with the Pittsburg Steelers. If Buffalo wins, the Chiefs will play the Bills in Patrick Mahomes’ first career road playoff game. If they lose, the Chiefs will host the Texans at Arrowhead. The only possible route for a Steelers vs. Chiefs or Chiefs vs. Ravens matchup would be in the AFC Championship Game.Kansas City Chiefs post-game:Wide Receiver Rashee Rice post-game presser – Kansas City’s rookie standout had himself a night to remember. Rice tallied eight catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. He also joined former Chiefs receiver Elmo Wright as the only other rookie in franchise history with a 100-yard game in the playoffs.His clutch catches were key in propelling the Chiefs to the Divisional Round. Defensive End George Karlaftis post-game presser -Rice wasn’t the only young Chief to have a big night. Second-year defensive end George Karlaftis delivered on his reputation as a high-motor player. ‘Furious George’ tallied 1.5 sacks on the night, splitting his second with Chris Jones. The Chiefs’ defensive was expectedly outstanding all night, holding Miami to just seven points on a single busted play. Outside of the coverage break, the team’s corners limited Tyreek Hill to just 62 yards receiving and Tua Tagovailoa to just 199 yards passing on the evening, along with a first-quarter interception for safety Mike Edwards. Patrick Mahomes post-game presser – Not to be lost among another outstanding outing for the defense was another dynamic Patrick Mahomes postseason performance. The offense was far from perfect, but Kansas City’s quarterback was surgical the entire night. Mahomes made next to no mistakes, passing for 262 yards and a touchdown while also delivering two critical scrambles for 41 yards. Tight end Travis Kelce was also dependable, securing seven catches for 71 yards — while admittedly dropping a potential touchdown grab that would have made his night even better. The Chiefs also got quality running from both Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The running back pair, combined with Mahomes, helped the Chiefs notch 147 yards on the ground. Andy Reid’s post-game presser -Andy Reid appeared much warmer in his post-game press conference than he, or his mustache, did on the field. Kansas City’s head coach was effusive with praise for his squad while also staying complimentary of a clearly dominated Dolphins team.This Chiefs team is still thin at receiver with a penalty problem along its offensive line. However, Kansas City also played its most complete game of the season when the stakes were at their highest. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm— and almost undeniably the best defense in the NFL —the path to another Super Bowl feels more clear now than it did nearly one year ago as the league’s reigning MVP fell to the ground doubled over in pain.Football fans will remember how that story ultimately ended. A post-game embrace for Tua and Mahomes -This win was Fonz-approved – Dolphins vs. Chiefs fourth-quarter updates: Q4| 1:08 – (Chiefs Drive 10 – Turnover on Downs) Clyde Edwards-Helaire fumbles giving Miami the ball back with just over a minute left to play.Q4| 3:49 – (Dolphins Drive 10 – Turnover on Downs) A two-minute Dolphins drive with no points is simply delaying the inevitable. Miami turns the ball over on downs and the Chiefs take back over at the 50-yard line.Q4| 5:20 – (Chiefs Drive 9 – Punt) Mahomes can’t connect with Marquez Valdes-Scantling on another deep ball, but it doesn’t matter. Miami gets the ball back down 19 with just 5:20 remaining in the fourth quarter.Q4| 6:27 – (Dolphins Drive 9 – Turnover On Downs) Kansas City’s dominance on defense has finally been complimented by competent offense. The Chiefs once again handle the Dolphins stopping a fourth and long desperation play from Miami. The Chiefs get the ball back with a 19-point lead and time quickly evaporated. Q4| 11:06 – (Chiefs Drive 8- Touchdown) Kansas City gets some karma paid back for a missed call early in the game. The referees keep the drive alive with a questionable roughing the passer call, and the Chiefs make the most of the opportunity. Isiah Pacheco ends the drive by pounding the football into the endzone. Kansas City gets its second touchdown of the night and goes up 26-7. The Chiefs also chew seven minutes off the clock. Q4| 15:00 – (Chiefs Drive 8- In Progress) The final frame of the game begins with the Chiefs in possession of the football. Kansas City has second-and-nine at the Miami 38-yard line. Dolphins vs. Chiefs third-quarter updates: Q3| 3:07 – (Dolphins Drive 8- Punt) Chris Jones and George Karlaftis team up to give the Chiefs another sack. The powerful defensive line combo leads to a punt for the Dolphins.The Chiefs take back over at the Kansas City 28-yard line. Q3| 7:55 – (Chiefs Drive 7 – Field Goal) After five-and-half minutes drained off the clock, Kansas City is up 19 – 7. But, redzone woes continue to plague the Chiefs. Mahomes and company settle for another Butker Field Goal.Butker set a new franchise record with his latest postseason boot.[/twitter]Mahomes also lost a chunk of helmet on the drive. Q3| 13:21 – (Dolphins Drive 7 – Punt) Kansas City’s defense is as ferocious as ever. The dolphins go three-and-out and the Chiefs take back over at the Kansas City 27-yard line. Q3| 15:00 – (Dolphins Drive 7 – In Progress) The Chiefs will open up the second half of the game on defense. The Dolphins’ first drive of the third quarter begins at the Miami 21-yard line. Dolphins vs. Chiefs second-quarter updates:Q2| 0:00 – (Dolphins Drive 6 – End of Half) The Dolphins make an attempt but are ultimately unable to maneuver into scoring position with just under 30 seconds to work with in the first half.Q2| 0:26 – (Chiefs Drive 6 – Field Goal) Kansas City ends what is likely its last drive of the first half with another field goal. The Chiefs are moving the ball, but difficulties getting it into the endzone are persisting.Rookie Rashee Rice had an incredible 39-yard catch and run on the drive to move the team into position.Here’s another reminder of how cold it is at Arrowhead Stadium tonight.Q2| 1:55 – (Dolphins Drive 5 – Punt) Defensive end George Karlaftis gives the Chiefs another shot at points heading into halftime with an impressive sack on third down. The Chiefs take back over at the Kansas City 40-yard line. Q2| 3:09 – (Chiefs Drive 5 – Punt) Kansas City is undone by a missed holding call on this drive. The Chiefs come up with no points and deliver a touchback on the ensuing punt, setting up the dolphins at the Miami 20-yard line. An injury update on Chiefs defensive lineman Derick Nnadi: Q2| 4:35 – (Dolphins Drive 4 – Punt) Kansas City’s defense is able to tighten up after giving up a touchdown. The Dolphins are forced to punt after knocking a few minutes of the clock.Also, Andy Reid’s Moustache is frozen. Q2| 7:36 – (Chiefs Drive 4 – Field Goal) Would it really be a Chiefs playoff game without a clutch Mahomes scramble. An incredible fourth-down run from the QB saves Kansas City’s drive, which unfortunately ended with a little less flourish. After a block in the back penalty called on tackle Jawaan Taylor, which negated a second Rashee Rice touchdown, the Chiefs settle for a 26-yard field goal to extend their lead back out to 6 points.Q2| 14:01 – (Dolphins Drive 3 – Touchdown) Kansas City’s lead is shrunk down to three after a deep strike to Tyreek Hill. Chiefs Kingdom has to watch its first Cheetah TD from the other side.The Chiefs are up 10-7 with 14:01 left in the second quarter. Q2| 14:51 – (Chiefs Drive 3 – Field Goal) Kansas City’s third drive extends the Chiefs lead to 10. Mahomes and company settle for a Harrison Butker field goal after a 9-play, 48-yard drive that took 3:12 off the clock. Q2| 15:00- (Chiefs Drive 3 – In Progress) The second quarter opens up the second quarter with the ball deep in Dolphins territory. The drive was kept alive by a successful challenge on a line-to-gain call on Rashee Rice third-down reception. Dolphins vs. Chiefs first-quarter updates: Q1| 3:03- (Dolphins Drive 2 – Interception) SAFETY MIKE EDWARDS WITH THE INT! Kansas City’s ball with 3:03 left in the first quarter after an interception from Tua Tagovailoa.Q1| 7:07- (Chiefs Drive 2 – Punt) Until proven otherwise, the deep shot still appears to be the missing ingredient for the Chiefs offense. Kansas City’s second drive of the game fizzled out in an all too familiar fashion, a missed connection between Mahomes and receiver Mecole Hardman. Q1| 8:35- (Dolphins Drive 1 – Punt) Things couldn’t be going much better for the Chiefs to open the game. Kansas City’s defense looks fired, forcing a three-and-out from the Dolphins on Miami’s opening drive on offense. After just a 28-yard punt from dolphins punter Jake Bailey, the Chiefs will start their next drive at the Kansas City 44-yard line. Q1| 11:10 – (Chiefs Drive 1 – Touchdown) It didn’t take long for Kansas City to remind the world what they’re capable of. Patrick Mahomes marched the Chiefs down the field on the opening drive. Clutch Catches from Travis Kelce and hard running from Isiah Pacheco highlighted a drive that finished off with an 11-yard touchdown from rookie Rashee Rice.Q1| 15:00 – (Chiefs Drive 1 – In Progress) The Dolphins win the coin toss and the Chiefs will start the game on offense. Miami will receive the second-half kickoff.Dolphins vs. Chiefs pre-game updates 7:03 p.m. – Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa is making his playoff debut tonight. 6:53 p.m. – Lockdown time. 6:50 p.m. – A pre-game speech from defensive lineman Chris Jones in what could be his final game at Arrowhead.6:29 p.m. – It’s about that time. 6:25 p.m. – A potential playoff opponent for Kansas City in the Divisional Round.6:10 p.m. – Taylor Swift is officially braving the cold for Travis. 6:01 p.m. – Warmups have never felt more appropriate. 5:41 p.m. – Despite injuries, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert will both suit up against the Chiefs. Former K-State QB, Kansas City-area prospect and current Miami QB Skylar Thompson will not be active Saturday. 5:40 p.m. – The Chiefs will be without wide receivers Justyn Ross and Kadarius Toney against the Dolphins. 5:28 p.m. – The tarp is coming off at Arrowhead. 5:12 p.m. – Good ‘Karma’ in the building. 5:00 p.m. – Another year in the playoffs for the Chiefs means another BBQ bet from Kansas City’s mayor. 4:56 p.m. – Coach Reid passes the fit check. 4:40 p.m. – “Red& Gold til I’m dead & cold”4:28 p.m. – A familiar face is officially back in town. 4:16 p.m.- QB 1 has arrived.4:00 p.m. – 3:02 p.m. – Roster updates ahead of the game. Practice Squad players nose tackle Mike Pennel and cornerback Keith Taylor have been activated via Standard Elevation.Dolphins practice squad elevations. 2:49 p.m. – Cannot emphasize enough, it is very very cold.2:31 p.m. – The gates are open at Arrowhead Stadium!1:27 p.m.- Brrrrrrr 🥶9:00 a.m. – Playoff time.5:30 a.m. – Good morning folks!More Dolphins vs. Chiefs news: The Chiefs beat the Dolphins 21 to 14 earlier this season in Germany during their Week 9 international series matchup.Here’s a look at the rest of Super Wild Card Weekend.2023 NFL Playoff Schedule:Saturday, Jan. 13No. 5 Cleveland at No. 4 Houston – 3:30 p.m. NBCNo. 6 Miami at No. 3 Kansas City – 7 p.m. on PeacockSunday, Jan. 14No. 7 Steelers at No. 2 Buffalo – Noon on CBSNo. 7 Green Bay, 9-8, at No. 2 Dallas – 3:30 p.m. on FoxNo. 6 Los Angeles Rams at No. 3 Detroit – 7 p.m. on NBCMonday, Jan. 15No. 5 Philadelphia at No. 4 Tampa Bay – 7 p.m. on KMBC 9AFC And NFC first-round byes: No. 1 Baltimore (AFC) and No. 1 San Francisco (NFC) Get tickets to Kansas City Chiefs games by clicking here: Ticketmaster | StubHub | SeatGeek | Vivid Seats | Ticket City