Chiefs vs. Dolphins predictions: Most writers believe in Kansas City

After a close win against the Broncos, the Chiefs are preparing to take on the Dolphins. Our writers predict a Chiefs victory.

Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs, though expected to win big, managed only to narrowly beat the Denver Broncos. This win officially clinched the Chiefs a spot in the playoffs.

The game against the Broncos could have been a different story, but the Chiefs failed to challenge a pass ruled incomplete when wide receiver Tyreek Hill had actually made a spectacular catch for what would have been a touchdown. Instead, the Chiefs settled for field goals and were only able to score one touchdown all game.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed 40 times for 25 completions, 318 yards, and 1 touchdown. He continued to target tight end Travis Kelce, who is having yet another spectacular season. Kelce finished the game with 8 catches for 136 yards and 1 touchdown. The Chiefs were able to just sneak by the Broncos with a 22-16 win.

Meanwhile, in Miami the Dolphins took on the Cincinatti Bengals. While it was not a spectacular game, the Dolphins were able to secure a win. Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 26/39 pass attempts for 296 yards and touchdown. In his first game back from injury, running back Myles Gaskin rushed 21 times for 90 yards while also catching 2 passes for 51 yards. The Dolphins ultimately won 19-7.

As the two teams prepare to play each other, they are both dealing with injuries. For the Chiefs, linebacker Damien Wilson is out with a knee injury after not practicing all week. Safety Tyrann Mathieu is listed as questionable after sustaining a hip injury in practice.

For the Dolphins, running back Salvon Ahmd and offensive lineman Ereck Flowers are out. Linebacker Elandon Roberts and linebacker Kyle Van Noy are questionable for the Dolphins.

The Chiefs will be playing to try to achieve a bye in the first round of the playoffs. To receive a bye, the Chiefs need to win their game and also need the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose another game. The Dolphins will be playing for a spot in the playoffs altogether. They currently hold a spot, but will need to win every game they can to keep that spot.

Here are our writer predictions:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 31, Dolphins 17

The Dolphins are much improved this year, and I think they will be really good in years to come. But, I don’t think they’re quite there yet. I think the Chiefs will come out firing to make up for last week and run away with this one early.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 28, Dolphins 10

The Chiefs’ offensive concerns in the red zone and the Dolphins’ defensive capabilities are both being discussed a bit too much at this point, which is beginning to pit this game about one great unit versus another. But it’s not at all. The Chiefs offense is a juggernaut capable of putting up historic numbers with multiple Hall of Fame players in their prime. If that sounds lopsided compared to the current Dolphins defense, that’s because it is. Chiefs by a lot.

Bransen Gibson: Chiefs 31, Dolphins 20

The Chiefs didn’t look great in their win over Denver, but I think they will look far more convincing this week. I’m expecting K.C. to control the game as they clinch their fifth straight AFC West crown. In their first game in Miami since the Super Bowl, I believe the Chiefs will win with a familiar scoreline.

Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 27, Dolphins 16

I see this one being kind of an ugly slug fest that stays close into the fourth quarter before the Chiefs pull away. The Dolphins are a tough team, but ultimately the advantage at QB for the Chiefs is just too much for Miami.

Sterling Holmes: Chiefs 28, Dolphins 23

I am predicting the Chiefs finally get a 1-yard touchdown plunge from a running back in this one and Travis Kelce continues his historic season with over 125 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins defense is solid but the only way to stop the Chiefs offense is if the Chiefs offense stops itself in the red zone and I don’t see that happening again. The two guys the Chiefs need to stop on the Dolphins offense, Parker and Gesicki, will play well but it won’t be enough to overcome the better team in this one.

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 32, Dolphins 24

I definitely think the Dolphins are an up and coming team. They have the pieces, but are at least a year from really challenging in the AFC. Because of that, I think this game will be a little closer than we would all probably like but the Chiefs will come out on top. I’m hopeful that the defense takes another step forward and gets pressure on a mobile quarterback in Tua while the offense works to solve its problems in the red zone. Ultimately, like I said, the Chiefs come out on top.

Byron Smith: Dolphins 28, Chiefs 21
This Dolphins’ defense is nice and the offense is learning, Brian Flores is an obvious coach of the year candidate, their short passing game is great! They do a lot of things well that the Chiefs struggle defending, and I expect them to exploit that.

Kelly Thompson: Chiefs 33, Dolphins 16

This one is a little tough to predict a final score for. The Chiefs win either way, but the score changes based on whether Tua or Fitzmagic start at quarterback. All indications are that Tua will start, if healthy, and no news exists of a setback after last week’s start. Assuming Tua starts, the Dolphins will continue to struggle to put up points (though starting him is oddly still the right decision). The defense has played well, but they’ve also not played this offense.

Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 28, Dolphins 23

The Dolphins are a competitive team. We’ve been expecting one-sided Chiefs wins, but they haven’t occurred much. Expect another close game.

Zachary White: Chiefs 31, Dolphins 17

The offense had their struggles again last week against one of the better defenses in the NFL. Look for the unit to bounce back this week against a scrappy Dolphins defense. I expect the defense to play well again and for the Chiefs to win easily.