How the Dolphins Upset the Chiefs: 5 Keys to Miami Wildcard Victory

Beat Them to the Punch

With the amount of injuries this team is dealing with, they can't possibly go the distance with well-rested Kansas City in a Rocky-style punch-for-punch battle. Remember, the Chiefs had the advantage of being locked into their spot in Week 18, giving them the luxury of resting players and getting healthy. Miami had to battle the Buffalo Bills with seeding and the AFC East on the line. Miami cannot fall behind 21-0 by the half like they did in Germany in Week 9. This would be a near-unsurmountable lead to make up at Arrowhead in very non-South Beach temperatures. Getting an early big-play strike, turnover or special teams contribution would be enormous to both quiet the crowd and up Miami's confidence.

Unleash the Two-Headed Ground Game Giant

In their last head-to-head meeting, Miami was forced to go away from the ground game because they fell behind 21-0 at the half. That doesn't mean it wasn't working. Raheem Mostert averaged over seven yards per carry in Week 9's 21-14 loss to the Chiefs. This came with just one of the heads of the ground game giant wreaking havoc as De'Von Achane was out with a knee injury. While both backs are banged up they are expected to suit up against a mediocre KC run D. The Chiefs have allowed over 113 rush yards per game, ranking them 18th in the league. Their 4.5 yards per attempt allowed is the eighth-worst number in the NFL this year. Miami led the NFL, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, and establishing the run game in the Kansas City cold is critical to success on Saturday.

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Pressure Patrick

If Patrick Mahomes has a weakness, it's sometimes trying to do too much and extend a play going nowhere. While it's easier said than done, getting to Mahomes is key for Miami's chances. The Dolphins sacked Mahomes twice in Week 9, but one came from the injured Bradley Chubb, who also forced a critical fumble. They also had four QB hits, which helped limit Mahomes to under 200 yards passing. Mahomes was the most hurried QB in the league this season, second in knockdowns, and his team led the league in dropped balls. The pressure valve, once a staple in Kansas City, has dried up, giving Mahomes fewer bailout options than ever. Miami has to hope newly signed linebackers Justin Houston and Bruce Irvin can give them something with Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Andrew Van Ginkel out.

Crunch Kelce Swiftly

The Dolphins defense held Mahomes' favorite target and Kansas City's most dangerous weapon to just three catches on four targets for 14 yards in Week 9. They will need a similar performance from the secondary. Aside from their shutdown performance against Kelce, Miami struggled defending tight ends but ranked 15th in passing yards allowed overall. While Kelce had a bit of an off-year, he still led the team with 93 catches and 984 yards this season and is Kansas City's most sure-handed pass-catching option.

Beat Them to the Punch

With the amount of injuries this team is dealing with, they can't possibly go the distance with well-rested Kansas City in a Rocky-style punch-for-punch battle. Remember, the Chiefs had the advantage of being locked into their spot in Week 18, giving them the luxury of resting players and getting healthy. Miami had to battle the Buffalo Bills with seeding and the AFC East on the line. Miami cannot fall behind 21-0 by the half like they did in Germany in Week 9. This would be a near-unsurmountable lead to make up at Arrowhead in very non-South Beach temperatures. Getting an early big-play strike, turnover or special teams contribution would be enormous to both quiet the crowd and up Miami's confidence.