AFC Wild Card Round Prediction: Expect Chiefs, Dolphins to Struggle Offensively in Extreme Weather
The Kansas City Chiefs will look to flex defensively on Saturday night in the elements when they host the Miami Dolphins. Will the freezing temps force this game under the total? Joey Ruiz analyzes this AFC Wild Card game and provides his best bet in Dolphins vs. Chiefs.
Joey Ruiz - January 13, 2024, 3:15 PM EST
5 minAFC Wild Card Round Prediction: Expect Chiefs, Dolphins to Struggle Offensively in Extreme Weather
This AFC showdown has potential to be one of the coldest games in NFL history as temperatures are expected to reach negative 30 degrees with swirling winds. How will this affect both pass-happy offenses? Let’s break it down.
Dolphins vs. Chiefs Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 13, 2024
- Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: Peacock
Dolphins vs. Chiefs Odds
- Spread: Dolphins +4.5 (-110), Chiefs -4.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 44 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Dolphins (+200), Chiefs (-245)
Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Prediction
The first matchup between these squads was overseas as they faced each other in Germany in a standalone game that was much lower scoring than most anticipated. The Chiefs got off to an early 21-0 lead thanks to a questionable fumble return for TD by the Chiefs in the final minute of the first half.
The Chiefs offense only scored 14 total points which all came in the first half, as the Chiefs have actually had one of the most anemic second half offenses in the league this season. This has been a tough season for the Chiefs offense as they have been let down by some of their lackluster receivers but their defense has picked up the slack. The Chiefs are currently ranked 2nd in the NFL in points allowed per game (17.3), 9th in yards allowed per game (351), 6th in passing yards allowed per game (246), and 2nd in sacks on the season (57).
The passing game for each team today will likely be hampered by mother nature, as swirling winds and freezing temperatures are expected, so I would think each team would rely on their running game a bit more than usual tonight. The Dolphins offense also sputtered big time in the second half of their last game against the Bills, as they blew a 14-7 halftime lead as they did not score a single point in the second half.
I expect more of the same from the Dolphins tonight as they are now on the road, out of their element, and will be playing in terrible conditions, which may affect the Dolphins more than most teams because of their reliance on the intermediate-downfield passing game. With that being said, I am rolling with the full game under 44.5 at -110 odds for 1.5 units as one of my most confident NFL plays of the day, as I believe this game will be very low scoring from both sides. Feels like a 21-13 Chiefs win.
Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Pick
Pick: Under 44.5 -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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