Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami Dolphins – Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips 13/01/2024

The Kansas City Chiefs host the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the National Football League Wild Card Round on Saturday, January 13th, at 10pm.

In the NFL, the term “Wild Card” applies to an early stage of the playoffs and to teams that qualify for this stage without having won their divisions. In the AFC and NFC conferences, the top three teams that are not division champions advance to the playoffs as Wild Cards.

Thus, these teams compete in Wild Card Weekend, which is the first round of the playoffs, facing teams with higher classifications. This weekend’s winners move on to the Divisional Playoffs rounds, continuing in contention for the Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs enter this matchup with a more favorable recent record, winning three of their last four games. Additionally, the team has not lost in the Wild Card round since the 2017 season.

Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback, has been an effective leader, completing 67.2% of his passes for 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His ability to read the game and make decisive plays has been a key factor in the team’s success.

In the aerial game, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice have been essential, totaling 1,922 yards and 12 touchdowns, providing Mahomes with reliability. Meanwhile, Isiah Pacheco leads the rushing game with 935 yards and 7 touchdowns, contributing to the team’s average of 104.9 yards per game.

Defensively, the Chiefs have been more solid than the Dolphins, allowing an average of 17.3 points and 289.8 yards per game. Players like Justin Reid, with 95 tackles, George Karlaftis with 10.5 sacks, and L’Jarius Sneed with 2 interceptions, have been fundamental in maintaining this defensive solidity.

Miami Dolphins

On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins enter this match with a recent history of ups and downs. After significant losses to the Ravens and Bills, the team lost its chance to lead the AFC East.

However, the individual performance of some players has been remarkable. Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback, has a completion rate of 69.3%, 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, demonstrating the team’s precision and confidence.

The receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle has been a formidable force, combining for 1,813 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. They have been instrumental in creating opportunities and converting crucial plays.

In the ground game, Raheem Mostert has been the star, with 1,012 yards and 18 touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team’s 135.8 yards per game average.

Defensively, the Dolphins have their challenges. Allowing an average of 23 points and 318.3 yards per game, the team needs to strengthen its defensive line. Players like David Long Jr., with 113 tackles, Bradley Chubb with 11 sacks, and Jalen Ramsey with 3 interceptions, have been defensive pillars, but the team as a whole needs more consistency.

Conclusion:

Therefore, although the Chiefs are favorites at home, the Dolphins have the potential to surprise, especially if they can overcome adversities related to injuries and weather. Therefore, the forecast is for a tight game, with the Miami Dolphins having all the conditions to deliver a surprise.