NFL Wild Card Predictions: Chiefs Vs. Dolphins Showdown

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TheFish
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NFL Wild Card Predictions: Chiefs Vs. Dolphins Showdown

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the NFL Wild Card round as the Miami Dolphins take on the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Coming off an intense 18-week regular season, these two teams are geared up to vie for a spot in Super Bowl LVIII. This Saturday night spectacle, held at the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and in frigid conditions, promises a thrilling gridiron clash laden with strategic maneuvers, power plays, and show-stopping performances. The kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be aired on Peacock. Stay tuned as we delve into a comprehensive analysis of this much-anticipated encounter. A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Chiefs-Dolphins Wild Card Game The Dolphins embarked on their journey this season with an impressive show of force on both offense and defense. However, a late-season collapse saw them conceding the AFC East title to the Buffalo Bills. Notably, against playoff teams, their record stands at a disheartening 1-5. These numbers speak volumes about the Dolphins’ struggle to hold their ground against formidable opposition, a weakness they will need to rectify before this crucial showdown. Injuries have also plagued the Dolphins, with key players like Jalen Phillips and Bradley Chubb sidelined and others like Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert’s availability being uncertain.   On the other hand, the Chiefs have had their fair share of hurdles this season. The team, once characterized by its exceptional offense, now ranks only No. 10 overall, a significant dip from previous standards. On the brighter side, their defense has stepped up to the plate, ranking fourth overall. However, their susceptibility to the run, in contrast to their solid pass defense, could be an Achilles’ heel in squaring off against the Dolphins’ 10th-ranked rushing offense. An efficiency drop and increased proneness to mistakes have also been observed in recent Chiefs’ performances, making this playoff game a crucial test of their resilience. Image Top Betting Picks for the Dolphins-Chiefs Wild Card Matchup As we build up to the much-awaited playoff game, let’s take a look at FanDuel’s Miami Dolphins odds: Under 44.0 (-110) The Dolphins’ offense is ailing, and it’s uncertain how many points they can contribute against the Chiefs’ sturdy defense. While the Chiefs’ offense is not as high-flying as it once was, they are still a threat, but they will be facing a Dolphins defense that recently held the third-ranked Bills’ offense to just 21 points and forced Josh Allen into two interceptions. Additionally, these teams totaled just 35 points in their first meeting in Week 9, where the Chiefs won 21-14.   Additionally, there’s the weather factor. The low temperature in Kansas City on Saturday night is expected to be below zero Fahrenheit with a 10 to 15-mph wind, making the feels-like temperature incredibly frigid. Temperatures this cold undoubtedly impact the passing game, as wide receivers have a hard time catching a hard and potentially icy football. Expect both teams to try and establish the run. Given these circumstances, betting under 44 points seems to be a prudent choice for those wagering on this Wild Card showdown. Dolphins Total Points Under 20.5 (-128) The historical data support this prediction. The Dolphins have surpassed this mark only once in their six encounters with playoff teams this season. On average, in road games against such teams, their score is a mere 17.5 points. The Chiefs’ robust defense, which has allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL this season, further bolsters this prediction. Although the Dolphins found some success in their ground game in Week 9, the potential absence of Mostert, their leading rusher, could significantly dent their offensive capabilities.   Additionally, Miami’s offense and speed are more suited for playing in warm weather. They will be taken out of their comfort zone in the ice cold, playing in conditions they’re unaccustomed to. When you also factor in the injuries on offense, wagering on the Dolphins scoring under 20.5 points could be a shrewd move for bettors. Chiefs 1H -2.5 (-120) This bet indicates the belief that the Chiefs will lead by more than 2.5 points at the end of the first half. This bet is influenced by the Chiefs’ tendency for strong starts, which is evident from their early lead in Week 9’s game, where they scored two passing touchdowns and a defensive touchdown before halftime against the Dolphins.   Furthermore, with some of their key players rested in Week 18 and the Dolphins’ struggle with road games and matches against playoff-caliber teams, it seems likelier than ever that the Chiefs will have a dominant first half. Placing this bet could prove fruitful for those banking on a strong early performance by Kansas City.   The post NFL Wild Card Predictions: Chiefs Vs. Dolphins Showdown appeared first on Miami Dolphins.

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