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Chiefs advance with a 26-7 victory against the Dolphins
The Chiefs displayed some inconsistency during the 2023 season, but their playoff debut showcased one of their best performances. Patrick Mahomes threw a touchdown pass, Isiah Pacheco added a rushing touchdown, and the Chiefs’ defense, coupled with adverse weather conditions, created difficulties for the Dolphins’ offense. The outcome was a convincing 26-7 victory, propelling the Chiefs into the playoffs’ divisional round for the sixth consecutive season.
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If the Bills defeat the Steelers on Monday, Mahomes will experience his first road playoff game next week. Alternatively, if the Steelers win, the Chiefs will host the Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.
Mahomes completed 23 of 41 passes for 261 yards, surprising some by opting for a more pass-heavy approach despite the cold and windy conditions in Kansas City on Saturday night. Mahomes’ touchdown pass went to rookie Rashee Rice, concluding the first drive of the game. Travis Kelce contributed with seven catches for 71 yards, Pacheco ran 23 times for 82 yards, leading the ground attack, and Rice, in his playoff debut, finished with eight catches for 130 yards.
Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s first postseason experience was less enjoyable. The highlight for Miami was an underthrown pass that Tyreek Hill turned into a 53-yard touchdown. Tagovailoa ended the game 17-of-35 for 171 yards, and the Dolphins amassed only 261 total yards. This disappointing performance raised questions about the team’s long-term future with Tagovailoa, despite already picking up his fully-guaranteed option for 2024. The Dolphins will likely focus on short-term improvements following a season that ended with three losses in five games, conceding the AFC East title to the Bills.
In contrast, the Chiefs won’t face the same scrutiny this week. Their offense effectively moved the ball, and the defense continued its season-long trend of stifling play, providing a strong start to their quest for a fourth Super Bowl trip in five years.
