Dolphins vs. Chiefs: Staff predictions unanimously favor Kansas City
By Matt Conner
The Miami Dolphins have been gaining steam in recent weeks, but there’s still no one ready to pick them to upset the Kansas City Chiefs.
We’ve surveyed our staff writers here at Arrowhead Addict and it’s clear we’re all beginning to believe again—at least in the Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to defeat the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Whether or not folks are willing to think positively about a playoff run is another conversation for another time. At least on Sunday, the focus should be solely on the Dolphins. After all it could easily be a trap game for a Chiefs team that has been playing with their backs against the wall for the last two weeks in dominating wins over their AFC rivals, the Oakland Raiders and L.A. Chargers.
Here’s a closer look at our staff picks and predictions for Week 16:
Chiefs 24, Dolphins 13
I think this game will be a little bit closer than anyone likes, but Adam Gase is a decent coach who has weathered a significant storm this season in Miami with a plethora of key injuries and a much tougher schedule than year one. The fact that they’re even within sight of 8-8 is a testament that this team competes well. Still Alex Smith and company should come out with the win at Arrowhead. [Matt Conner]
Chiefs 30, Dolphins 14
The Kansas City Chiefs have control over their post season hopes this weekend at home against the visiting Dolphins. If the Chiefs pull off the victory they win the division and get back-to-back post season appearances. This is exactly what K.C. will do. The offense has returned to the formula of give running back Kareem Hunt the ball often, leading to passing lanes being opened up for quarterback Alex Smith. The defense has a field day with the hot and cold Dolphins forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them for points on the board. The combined efforts of the offense and defense are too much for Miami and the Chiefs easily win this one and win the division for a second year in a row. [Nick Floyd]
Chiefs 42, Dolphins 17
With a final score of 42-17, the Chiefs ride the legs of Kareem Hunt for three touchdowns total. Two rushing and one receiving. One other passing touchdown from Alex Smith and to top it off a special teams score on a returned kick. [Lucas Hampton]
Chiefs 34, Dolphins 6
The Chiefs are on a roll and are facing an awful team with a lot of quit. A cold day at Arrowhead with the Christmas holiday around the corner will have the Dolphins looking to get off the field without getting hurt. Kareem Hunt will run over and around the Dolphins and the defense will look great against another quarterback with an affinity for tossing interceptions. Regardless, don’t expect this game to be close. (If this game is close, or if the Chiefs lose…..it will be a worse defeat then the ugly Giants disaster from a month ago.) [John McCarty]
Chiefs 27, Dolphins 13
The Kansas City Chiefs are going to win this game 27-13. This game is going to be in freezing cold weather and Jay Cutler is already planning his next retirement. The offense will look solid but Andy Reid will call the dogs off early and this should be a run heavy game. The defense will play good again as any defense playing Cutler looks good. The Chiefs get the win, they win the AFC West and the ability to rest all starters next week against the Broncos which means it’s Patrick Mahomes time! [Britt Zank]