In what was the fourth-coldest game in NFL history, the Dolphins never truly adjusted to the sub-zero temperatures, managing only 264 yards of offense as they barely laid a glove on their hosts.
One highlight was a 53-yard touchdown for Tyreek Hill on his return to Kansas City that pulled the Dolphins to within three points of their opponents early on in the second quarter but Miami otherwise repeatedly faltered in the frigid conditions.
The Chiefs, as has been the case for largely the entire season, were also far from their explosive best on offense, having to settle for field goals on four occasions when flirting with finding the end zone.
Harrison Butker’s kicking was clutch despite the testing conditions, and Patrick Mahomes ultimately did enough to earn his team the win, going 23-of-41 passing, for 262 yards and one TD, while running back Isiah Pacheco was also impressive, with 89 yards on 24 carries.
Pacheco found the end zone from three yards out in the final quarter to truly ice the contest – the final points of the game – while Mahomes found Rashee Rice for an 11-yard score on their only other trip to the end zone.
The receiver would finish the game with an impressive stat line of eight grabs for 80 yards and that TD.
Rice’s touchdown capped a hugely impressive nine-play, 69-yard opening drive by the Chiefs that eased any fears that they’d struggle to find a way to consistently move the ball in the ice-cold conditions.
