Chiefs ease past Dolphins in historically frigid playoff encounter

It was an impressive playoff debut for the weakest Chiefs team of the Mahomes era. This squad has a strong defense and inconsistent offense despite Mahomes continuing to shape-shift into the quarterback the Chiefs need.

On Saturday night, Mahomes mostly played conductor from the pocket. The Chiefs won by attacking the middle of Miami’s defense in the air and on the ground with bruising running back Isiah Pacheco (24 carries, 89 yards, one touchdown). Taylor Swift watched in a fogged-over suite as tight end Travis Kelce (seven catches, 71 yards) overcame three drops to help fuel the Chiefs with wide receiver Rashee Rice (eight catches for 130 yards and a touchdown).

The Dolphins’ high-octane offense — a marvel all season — looked zapped of its power by the cold. Coach Mike McDaniel’s conservative play-calling, even as the deficit grew, suggested he did not trust quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw downfield.

It didn’t seem like the wrong approach, either. Tagovailoa’s first attempt other than a screen or a quick toss was overthrown and intercepted. The Dolphins’ only touchdown — a 53-yard pass to Tyreek Hill — was underthrown, and that it ended up a touchdown spoke more to Hill’s ability.

Late in the second half, the Chiefs’ pass rush started teeing off on the Dolphins and the stands started emptying. During a typical game here, that would be unthinkable. But on this night, with this game, in this cold, the fans could flee for warmth assured that their Chiefs would play another game next weekend.

— Sam Fortier

Find highlights from Saturday’s playoff action below.