The NFL Playoffs begin this Saturday, and one of the most anticipated Wildcard Weekend matchups is the Miami Dolphins taking on the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs had a somewhat disappointing stretch run and draw a tough first round matchup against the explosive Dolphins, but the defending champions open as 3.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The No. 3-seeded Chiefs finished 11-6 on the season despite Mahomes not putting up his usual statistical production, but his postseason track record still makes them dangerous.
The Chiefs defense was a huge reason why they had a successful season, and they’ll have a tough opening round assignment against Tua Tagovailoa and the talented Dolphins offense.
The Chiefs held the Dolphins to 14 points in their regular season matchup, and elite wide receiver and former Chief Tyreek Hill will be looking for revenge after struggling against his former team back in Week 9.
The 11-6 Dolphins were on pace to be the No. 2 seed after leading the AFC East for much of the season, but they fell to the No. 6 seed after losing out to the Buffalo Bills in a disappointing Week 18 loss.
The Dolphins were shorthanded on offense against the Bills with Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Waddle out, and the hope is that they’ll be healthy for the postseason to complement Hill and explosive rookie running back De’Von Achane.
The Chiefs held out their star players in Week 18 having clinched the division, including Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco, so they should be at full strength heading into Wildcard Weekend.
The oddsmakers aren’t expecting a shootout despite so much talent on both offenses, as the over/under total is set at 44 points.
Kickoff for Dolphins at Chiefs is set for Saturday, Jan. 13 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast exclusively on the Peacock streaming platform.
DOLPHINS AT CHIEFS BETTING LINE/TV INFO
Spread: Miami Dolphins (+3.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
Money line: Dolphins +158, Chiefs -190
Total: O/U 44 points
Day/Time/TV: Saturday, Jan. 13 at 7:15 p.m. (Peacock)
Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Jan. 8