How the Chiefs Can Beat the Dolphins: 5 Keys to Victory

Dominate the Trenches

It’s always a saying with every game, but especially considering the weather both teams will have to endure, the Chiefs need to dominate the trenches. I’m not too worried about the Chiefs’ defensive line since I believe they have more power with the added benefit of Spagnuolo’s creativity, but the offensive line needs to make the Dolphins’ defensive line who will feature guys who started the year on the practice squad know they are in for a long night from the first drive. Dominating the trenches always is important, but in frigid temperatures against a tired team, it’s that much more important to not let them get an ounce of confidence.

Isiah Pacheco, Isiah Pacheco, and more Isiah Pacheco

As the Dolphins are tired and especially injured on the defensive line, Isiah Pacheco needs to control this game with the ball in his hand. Over his past four games he has combined for five touchdowns and is coming into this game well-rested, so the Chiefs need to use him even more than they normally would given the conditions. He’s an extremely hard and physical runner who won’t be affected by the cold, but he certainly can make members of the Dolphins’ defense wish they were on the sideline draped by a jacket and in front of a heater. Why risk the ball in the air with these receivers when you can run Isiah Pacheco down their throats?

Attack Tua

The Chiefs still look like an AFC contender despite their offensive struggles because their defense has been flat-out balling, and they need to make Tua Tagovailoa feel it. I keep thinking back to the Dolphins-Ravens game a few short weeks ago where Tua’s numbers don’t look terrible on paper, but if you watched that game you know the Ravens’ stout defense made his life difficult. KC’s defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is a talented defensive mind, so he needs to use the versatility of his defensive weapons to get Tua on the ground as early as possible to get him thinking. Once Tua starts thinking too much, it’s game over.

Put Three Guys on Tyreek Hill

The only way the Dolphins win this game is if Tyreek Hill goes absolutely insane. I’m not worried about the running game as the KC run defense is pretty solid and I’m not confident we will see the best version of Jaylen Waddle knowing how banged up he has been. I’m not even trying to be sarcastic, but the Chiefs should literally put three guys on his side of the field. You know Tyreek is used to playing in the Kansas City winter elements and that he wants to make his presence known in his return to Arrowhead, so even though it may seem simple, just let someone else beat you. Even if someone like Waddle ends up having a day, I’m confident he won’t give enough game-changing plays to impact the result of the game.

Dominate the Trenches

It’s always a saying with every game, but especially considering the weather both teams will have to endure, the Chiefs need to dominate the trenches. I’m not too worried about the Chiefs’ defensive line since I believe they have more power with the added benefit of Spagnuolo’s creativity, but the offensive line needs to make the Dolphins’ defensive line who will feature guys who started the year on the practice squad know they are in for a long night from the first drive. Dominating the trenches always is important, but in frigid temperatures against a tired team, it’s that much more important to not let them get an ounce of confidence.