Kansas City, Mo. – In one of the coldest games in NFL history, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a decisive 26-7 victory on Saturday night. Mahomes, the reigning league MVP, threw for 262 yards and a touchdown, showcasing resilience even after his helmet was shattered from a hit in the second half.
Rashee Rice was a standout receiver for the Chiefs, catching eight passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Isiah Pacheco contributed significantly with 89 rushing yards and a touchdown, propelling the Chiefs (12-6) to their first postseason win against the Dolphins in four meetings. Kicker Harrison Butker added four field goals to secure the victory for the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Dolphins (11-7), hampered by injuries, couldn’t replicate their regular-season form, which saw them leading the league in yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced constant pressure from the Chiefs’ second-ranked defense. Tyreek Hill, returning to Kansas City, managed a 53-yard touchdown catch but was otherwise contained.
The game, played in minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit conditions, set a record for the coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium. The intense cold, accompanied by strong wind gusts, presented a challenging environment for players and fans alike. Even pop star Taylor Swift, present to support Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, watched the game from the relative comfort of an enclosed suite.
A notable moment came in the third quarter when Mahomes’ helmet was damaged due to the extreme cold, forcing him to switch to a backup. Despite these conditions, the Chiefs’ offense was efficient, scoring on four of their six first-half drives.
The Dolphins, facing an uphill battle, put together a late drive, but it was too late to change the outcome. Their loss continues a trend of struggles in cold weather, with this being their 11th consecutive defeat in games where the temperature is 40 degrees or less.
The Chiefs now look ahead to their next playoff game, which will be determined by the outcome of the Bills-Steelers match. If the Bills win, the Chiefs will travel to Buffalo; otherwise, they will host Houston at Arrowhead Stadium. The Dolphins, meanwhile, reflect on a season that promised much but ultimately ended in disappointment.
