Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL wild card game
Tyreek Hill's return to Arrowhead Stadium will be a playoff matchup, as his Miami Dolphins (11-6) will face the Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) in the wild card round.
What was once the hottest team in the NFL is stumbling into the playoffs. A few weeks ago, Miami had a chance to get the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Instead, the Dolphins lost their last two games, didn't win the division and will have to likely play on the road for a possible Super Bowl run. Still, the offense remains lethal and could power the team to a victory.
The defending Super Bowl champions are back in the playoffs after an odd season that involved Taylor Swift and several self-inflicted mistakes. Still, Kansas City is one of the most successful playoff teams in recent years, and playing at home, the Chiefs could start the path toward a second-straight title with a win against a team it has already beaten this season.
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Chiefs vs. Dolphins odds, moneyline, over/under
The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Dolphins, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Chiefs (-4.5)
Moneyline: Chiefs (-250); Dolphins (+200)
Over/under: 43.5
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NFL Wild Card odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Texans vs. Browns | Chiefs vs. Dolphins | Bills vs. Steelers
NFC: Cowboys vs. Packers | Lions vs. Rams | Buccaneers vs. Eagles
Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 26, Dolphins 14
Things are just not going well for the Dolphins. They’re facing what appear to be insurmountable injuries — in particular at edge rusher — have hit an offensive slump and will be facing epically cold conditions in this game. Miami is not used to that kind of weather and if the Dolphins are unable to rush Patrick Mahomes, he could have a big day, even with the limitations the Chiefs have at receiver.
Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 26, Dolphins 21
The Dolphins are dealing with a slew of injuries, especially on defense. Miami has only defeated one team this season with a winning record. It’s also worth noting that Miami’s speed is also going to be affected by the freezing cold temperatures Saturday in Kansas City. The Chiefs offense has sputtered this year, but Patrick Mahomes will work his magic in this one. Despite the Chiefs’ shortcomings, Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones won’t let the squad lose at home in the wild-card round.
Safid Deen: Chiefs 30, Dolphins 17
The Dolphins are hobbled with injuries to key contributors to their 11-win season and must go on the road to play the defending champions. Sure, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have struggled offensively but they’ll have more than enough to beat Miami at home.
Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 23, Dolphins 17
Despite how inconsistent the Chiefs have been, they do have the advantage here. The game will be at Arrowhead Stadium with temperatures expected to be well below freezing. Add that to the fact that the Sunshine State Dolphins dropped their last two and are dealing with a slew of injuries, and we will probably see a good amount of Taylor Swift cheering.
Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 24, Dolphins 23
Even with all the injuries on Miami's defense, Kansas City's offense hasn't been anything flashy this season. However, Miami looks nowhere like the team that was able to score at will earlier this season. The home-field advantage works in the Chiefs' favor with a last-second win to advance.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs: Playoff game predictions, picks and odds
