2023 AFC Wildcard Preview: #6 Miami Dolphins at #3 Kansas City Chiefs
The 2023 playoffs are set, now it’s time for the NFL Playoff Preview for the Wildcard round. This matchup features two of the best teams in the AFC, or at least teams that could be the best. The Chiefs are throwing to bums off the street other than Travis Kelce, who is declining. The Dolphins can’t stay healthy and have trouble beating good teams.
These teams did play each other earlier in the year overseas in Week 9, where the Chiefs won that game 21-14. The weather for this game will be around 5° F with a wind chill of -10° F. This could be the coldest game ever for both teams. This is a very weird game, but we will try to dissect this game the best we can and see how both teams can win.
How The Chiefs Can Win:
Get Pressure On Tua Tagovailoa:
This Miami Dolphins offensive line is not good. With how high-powered this offense can be at times with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Raheem Mostert, the best way to limit that is to make Tua Tagovailoa as uncomfortable as you can. Chris Jones and George Karlaftis have to get to Tagovailoa early and often.
Establish the Run Game:
It’s going to be a cold game and when games are cold being able to run the ball is so important. Hitting in the cold sucks, even for the professionals. If the Chiefs can get the run game going with Isiah Pacheco then the Chiefs have a solid shot.
Luckily, Pacheco runs like his life depended on how many yards he gets. That just might be the saving grace the Chiefs need to win this game. The Dolphins defense is all banged up, so that might just work for the Chiefs.
Can The WRs Just Catch The Ball?:
I think this might be what will kill the Chiefs if the game comes down to it. Will the Chiefs WRs catch the ball? The Chiefs lead the league in dropped passes, but when your best WR is Rashee Rice, a rookie, who could blame them?
Oh, we can, we can blame Brett Veach for not only trading away Tyreek Hill, but almost refusing to address the WR room for KC, and now they are paying for it. The Chiefs absolutely pound the rock as much as they can against the Dolphins, but it’s a passing league, you’re going to have to pass the ball and the question is: Will the Chiefs make enough plays to win this game?
How The Dolphins Can Win:
Get Tyreek Hill Involved Early:
Seems almost obvious, but it’s important. There are a few reasons for this.
One, obviously, he’s your best WR and is faster than anyone on the field, getting him involved early forces KC to focus their defense on him and thus opening up other weapons. Two, this is the Tyreek Hill revenge game in the playoffs. If Tyreek Hill gets involved early, the Dolphins can build on that energy that Tyreek will bring and, hopefully, that’ll help overcome the cold weather the Dolphins have to play in.
Trust Vic Fangio’s Defensive Scheme:
The Dolphins can’t do anything about injuries, they happen and they just happened to be at the worst time for the Dolphins. It’ll always be the cliche “Next Man Up” mindset when it comes to injuries. The Dolphins. Having 4 guys in their secondary is not ideal at all.
Vic Fangio is a respected defensive coordinator and the Dolphins defense has improved when healthy. Conversely of what I said for the Chiefs’ ways to win, the Dolphins will have to stop the run from Isiah Pacheco and force these WRs to make plays.
Unfortunately, you’re also gambling on Patrick Mahomes to make plays, which we all know he is capable of doing.
Be Agressive:
I think outside of a few positions, the Dolphins are a more talented team than the Chiefs. They have the weapons to overcome the Chiefs. They don’t have to try to beat the Chiefs, this team can put up points and need to do it quickly. Force the Chiefs to beat you.
Don’t go neck and neck and try to win the game at the end. Force Kansas City Chiefs wideouts to beat you. If the defense is playing well, go for it on those 4th downs where the FG is iffy. Broke money don’t make no money. If you try to play it safe, you will lose the game. Football isn’t a safe game; it’s a ruthless, cutthroat sport. If you’re not ready to kill, best be ready to be killed.
In their previous matchup on Nov. 5 of this year, the Chiefs won the game 21-14. We could very well see that again from the Chiefs. I’d like to believe that the Dolphins are a better team and are hungry for a taste of success.
The Chiefs are basically crumbling as it is and this could set them over the edge. It is a very cold game and this game is going to be a weird one, I can just feel it. I think the Dolphins can win this game and I hate the Chiefs so much, I’m picking the Dolphins with my heart here, but I do think they can win.
NFL Playoff Preview Prediction: Dolphins win 20-17
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