ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is “very happy” that the Miami Dolphins are set to face tricky conditions in their playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
Stephen A. Smith on the Dolphins having to go to temperatures roughly 70 degrees colder Saturday night in Kansas City than what they would've had with a home playoff game: "I am very happy the Miami Dolphins are in this situation. You get what you deserve."
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 12, 2024
With two games remaining on their regular-season schedule, the Dolphins looked to be in good shape to win the AFC East. They held the division’s top record at 11-4 and were ahead of the Buffalo Bills in the standings by two games.
But the Dolphins went on to lose their last two games of the 2023 regular season. First, Miami suffered an ugly road loss against the Baltimore Ravens on New Year’s Eve. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw as many interceptions as touchdowns (two) in the game as Miami went on to lose by a final score of 56-19.
Then, after falling to the Ravens, the Dolphins lost to the Bills in their final game of the regular season on Jan. 7. Buffalo ended up with the same regular-season record as Miami at 11-6, but because the Bills won both of their matchups against the Dolphins this season, they clinched the AFC East division.
Since the Bills clinched the AFC East, they will be at home for their playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The Dolphins, meanwhile, will take on the Chiefs on the road in their playoff game.
Interestingly, the Chiefs fared better on the road than they did at home during the regular season. Kansas City finished with an impressive 6-2 road record compared to just a 5-4 home record.
But the Chiefs did earn a victory in their final home game of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on New Year’s Eve. Kansas City beat the Bengals by a final score of 25-17 behind a solid performance from star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 245 yards and one touchdown compared to zero interceptions.
Here’s to hoping that the Dolphins will be able to handle the tricky weather conditions on Saturday against the Chiefs and hand the team another home loss.
