The Miami Dolphins are facing many challenges heading into their playoff game this weekend, not the least of which may be “dangerously cold” conditions on Saturday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The wind chill in Kansas City Saturday night will be "dangerously cold," the National Weather Service says.
The latest forecast approaches a wind chill of -30 degrees.
An NFL source told me yesterday there will be no schedule change for the Dolphins-Chiefs game. https://t.co/999R3bUlsU
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) January 11, 2024
ESPN graphic on the coldest temperatures at kickoff in NFL postseason history.
We’ll see where the AFC wild card game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs lands. pic.twitter.com/RC0EZk4TXK
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 11, 2024
The AFC wild-card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium could be one of the coldest in NFL history. The forecast — which has gotten more severe as the week has gone on — is calling for a wind chill factor that could be as cold as -30 degrees.
It also could become the coldest game in Dolphins history. Coincidentally, the previous coldest game for the franchise came at Kansas City on Dec. 21, 2008. The temperature at kickoff was 10 degrees for Miami’s 38-31 victory.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said he won’t wear gloves during Saturday night’s frigid game in Kansas City.
“I think the whole thing is a mindset.” pic.twitter.com/cSZMK57v7I
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) January 10, 2024
In the face of the possible frigid setting, the Dolphins have chosen to practice at home rather than in Kansas City. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said earlier this week that he does not plan to wear gloves despite the subfreezing temperatures.
Of course, all of this could have been avoided had the Dolphins defeated the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday night. A 21-14 loss cost Miami the AFC East title and No. 2 seed that would have resulted in a home game.
Instead, the Dolphins are entering the playoffs on a two-game losing streak as the No. 6 seed and are facing the defending Super Bowl champions, who are the No. 3 seed in the conference after winning the AFC West.
The teams played earlier this season in Germany, with the Chiefs coming away with a 21-14 victory on Nov. 5.
McDaniel said whether Holland and Elliott play in KC will be Saturday decisions, not Thursday or Friday decisions https://t.co/9ATHOatMfN
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 11, 2024
What's status of Mostert,Waddle for KC? "That's a good questionable," McDaniel cracked. "You have to take it up to the end of the week clock."McDaniel reiterated optimism on both playing Saturday but medical staff wants to estimate likelihood of them being able to play whole game
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 11, 2024
Miami also is dealing with injuries to key players heading into Saturday’s matchup. Head coach Mike McDaniel said the team may take up to Saturday to make a decision on the availability of running back Raheem Mostert, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and defensive backs Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott.
After losing to the Bills in the first round last season, the Dolphins will try again to win a playoff game for the first time since the 2000 campaign. Doing so while facing daunting conditions could make the accomplishment even more impressive.
