Kansas City, Missouri – The Miami Dolphins will face frigid, subzero temperatures in their wild-card matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. While the Dolphins are accustomed to playing in tropical temperatures, the team will be hit with blistering cold weather when they take the field on Saturday night.
If the forecast holds true, the game will be the coldest in Kansas City franchise history and the coldest ever played by the Dolphins. Temperatures are expected to reach minus-1 degrees with wind chills between minus-20 and minus-30 degrees, posing a significant challenge for both players and fans.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the dangerously cold wind chills, advising people to avoid outdoor activities if possible and to wear appropriate clothing to protect against frostbite. Frostbite can set in within 30 minutes at these extreme temperatures.
The Dolphins have struggled in cold weather games, with a record of 25 wins, 46 losses, and one tie in outdoor games when the temperature was 40 degrees or cooler. In contrast, the Chiefs have a successful track record in cold conditions, with a 9-1 record in home games below 40 degrees and a perfect 4-0 record in the playoffs under the same conditions.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Chiefs are not relying on the cold to give them an advantage. Chiefs Coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of not underestimating the impact of the weather and staying focused on the game.
Miami players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, acknowledged the unfamiliarity of the cold for them. However, the team is working to mentally prepare themselves for the frigid conditions and maintain a strong mindset.
The cold weather will also affect the game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers in Buffalo, New York. A winter storm watch has been issued for the region, with projections of more than six inches of “lake effect” snow. Travel is expected to be difficult or even impossible in these snow bands.
Despite the extreme weather, the NFL has not made any plans to change the game venue. The league is monitoring the conditions, but as of now, there is no discussion about altering the status of the game.
In summary, the Miami Dolphins will be facing their coldest game ever in their wild-card matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills will pose challenges for both teams. While the Dolphins have struggled in cold weather games in the past, the Chiefs have had success in similar conditions. The cold weather will also impact the game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers in Buffalo, New York. However, the NFL has no plans to change the game venue at this time.