The Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs met in one of the most talked-about playoff games of the 2023–24 NFL season. The game took place on January 13, 2024, in Kansas City during extremely cold weather. The Chiefs won 26–7, and the match showed clear differences in performance on both sides.
This article gives you an easy and friendly breakdown of the key player stats from the game. It uses simple English (B1 level) so anyone can read and understand it. All information is based on widely trusted sports news and public game data.
Introduction
The game was important because both teams had strong seasons. The Chiefs were the defending champions, while the Dolphins had one of the best offenses in the league during the regular season. But the playoff game showed something different. The Chiefs played with good control on offense and strong defense. The Dolphins struggled to move the ball and to stay on the field.
In this article, we look at how the players performed, team stats, and what these numbers tell us. This will help you understand the story behind the score.
Game Summary
The final score was:
- Kansas City Chiefs: 26
- Miami Dolphins: 7
The Chiefs controlled the game from the start. Their offense moved the ball well, and their defense stopped the Dolphins on many plays. Miami had a hard time dealing with pressure and the cold conditions. They also had trouble completing passes and converting on third down.
Kansas City finished with 409 total yards, while Miami had 264 total yards. That difference shows how the Chiefs kept control of the game.
Chiefs Player Stats Breakdown
Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes played a smart and steady game. He did not take big risks and focused on short and medium passes.
Key stats:
- 23 completions on 41 attempts
- 262 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 0 interceptions
These numbers show that Mahomes kept control and protected the ball. Even though this was not his highest scoring game, he led the offense with confidence.
Isiah Pacheco – Running Back
Isiah Pacheco was one of the most important players for the Chiefs. He ran the ball hard and kept the offense moving.
Key stats:
- 24 carries
- 89 rushing yards
- 1 touchdown
His strong running helped the Chiefs control the clock and kept the Dolphins defense tired.
Rashee Rice – Wide Receiver
Rashee Rice had a breakout performance. He became the main target for Mahomes in this game.
Key stats:
- 8 catches
- 130 yards
- 1 touchdown
His speed and strong hands helped the Chiefs make big plays, especially on third down.
Travis Kelce – Tight End
Travis Kelce, one of the leagues best tight ends, also helped move the chains.
Key stats:
- 7 catches
- 71 yards
Kelce did not score a touchdown, but he was important on short passes and key downs.
Dolphins Player Stats Breakdown
Tua Tagovailoa – Quarterback
Tua had a difficult game. The Chiefs defense gave him pressure, and many passes were under heavy coverage.
Key stats:
- 20 completions on 39 attempts
- 199 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
The Dolphins struggled to sustain long drives, and this added more pressure on Tua.
Tyreek Hill – Wide Receiver
Tyreek Hill, a former Chiefs player, scored the only touchdown for the Dolphins.
Key stats:
- 5 catches
- 62 yards
- 1 touchdown
Though he made a big play, the Chiefs defense kept him from making long runs.
Raheem Mostert – Running Back
Raheem Mostert had too few chances to run the ball. Miami fell behind early, so they needed to pass more.
Key stats:
- 8 carries
- 33 rushing yards
Without a strong running game, the Dolphins had trouble opening space for passing plays.
Team Stats Comparison
Total Yards
- Chiefs: 409
- Dolphins: 264
Kansas City had far more offensive production. This helped them keep long drives and control the game.
First Downs
- Chiefs: 25
- Dolphins: 13
This shows how the Chiefs moved the ball better on each drive.
Third Down Efficiency
- Chiefs: 6 out of 15
- Dolphins: 1 out of 12
This is one of the biggest differences. The Dolphins could not stay on the field because they failed on third down most of the time.
Time of Possession
Kansas City kept the ball for more minutes, which kept their offense active and kept Miami defense tired.
Why the Chiefs Won
Based on the stats, there are several clear reasons:
1. Better Control of the Ball
The Chiefs made steady progress down the field and did not rush. They used both running and passing plays well.
2. Strong Defensive Pressure
The Dolphins had trouble blocking the Chiefs pass rush. This made Tua throw under pressure many times.
3. Balanced Offense
Pachecos strong running and Mahomes calm passing gave the Chiefs a balanced attack. This kept the Dolphins defense guessing.
4. Fewer Mistakes
The Chiefs played a clean game. They protected the ball and avoided turnovers.
Lessons From the Game
For the Chiefs
The game showed that the Chiefs can play well even in tough weather. Their young players, like Rashee Rice, stepped up and helped the team. The win showed that Kansas City can still play championship level football.
For the Dolphins
Miami showed promise early in the season, but this game showed areas to improve:
- Better protection for the quarterback
- More balance between run and pass
- Stronger third down performance
Even with the loss, the Dolphins have talent and can build on this experience.
Conclusion
The Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs playoff game was a clear example of how player stats tell the full story. Kansas City strong offense and tough defense led them to a solid win. Miami had moments of good play, but they struggled to keep up.
By looking at both team and player stats, we get a clear and simple view of why the Chiefs came out on top. This breakdown helps fans understand how each player performed and how the game unfolded.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
1. Who won the Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs playoff game?
The Kansas City Chiefs won the game 26 to 7.
2. When was the game played?
The game was played on January 13, 2024.
3. How many yards did Patrick Mahomes throw for?
Mahomes threw for 262 yards.
4. Who scored for the Dolphins?
Tyreek Hill scored the Dolphins only touchdown.
5. How many rushing yards did Isiah Pacheco have?
Pacheco had 89 rushing yards and one touchdown.
6. What were Tua Tagovailoas stats?
Tua threw for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
7. Who was the top receiver in the game?
Rashee Rice led with 130 receiving yards.
8. How did the weather affect the game?
The game was played in very cold weather, which made passing and catching harder.
9. Why did the Dolphins struggle on offense?
They struggled with pressure, had weak third down conversions, and could not run the ball well.
10. What was the biggest difference in team stats?
The Chiefs had 409 total yards, while the Dolphins had 264. This showed Kansas City strong offense.
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