Chiefs vs. Dolphins: Andy Reid v. Mike McDaniel among key matchups in Week 9

The Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) are facing the Miami Dolphins (6-2) in Frankfurt, Germany for Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season.
Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet against then
Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet against then / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Patrick Mahomes vs. Tua Tagovailoa

Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs v Denver Broncos / Michael Owens/GettyImages

Oddly enough, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will forever be linked together. When Hill joined the Dolphins he proclaimed that his new quarterback was the most accurate quarterback in the NFL before playing a snap with him. Although this was not a direct shot at his former teammate, many people and media outlets instantly compared Tagovailoa with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

As we stand in Week 9, these signal-callers are leading the MVP race per numerous media and betting platforms. The quarterback with the best performance in this game will likely be the overwhelming favorite for league MVP.

Tagovailoa has the better overall statistics when comparing each quarterback head to head. Even though his numbers are great, his arsenal includes the aforementioned Tyreek Hill. Some people are giving Hill MVP consideration which dilutes the case for Tagovailoa. On top of that, the Dolphins have yet to defeat a team with a winning record. 

Mahomes has not been the eye-popping Mahomes that we have grown accustomed to. At least not through the first 8 games. However, he is still top 3 in almost every passing category. Without an established top-tier wide receiver, his only reliable target has been tight end Travis Kelce. Still, the Chiefs are the top seed in the AFC while going through a tougher schedule than the Dolphins. 

Can Tua Tagovailoa put together a good performance against a winning team? Can Mahomes guide the Kansas City offense to remain the number one team in the AFC?