MIAMI, FLORIDA – The Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 not only dashed their hopes for a division title, but it also prevented them from hosting a wild-card game. This setback is particularly disappointing for the Dolphins, as they could have greatly benefited from playing at home in the opening round of the playoffs.
Instead, the Dolphins will find themselves on the road, facing the Kansas City Chiefs. In order to advance to the divisional round, Miami will have to achieve something they haven’t done in seven years – win a game in cold weather. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they have established a reputation as one of the worst cold-weather teams in the NFL.
Over the past 10 games where the kickoff temperature was 40 degrees or below, the Dolphins have gone winless, losing each game by an average of 17 points. This lack of success in cold weather poses a major challenge for the team as they prepare to play in Kansas City, where the current forecast predicts a kickoff temperature of about 5 degrees.
It’s worth noting that the Dolphins’ coldest game in history was played in Kansas City back in 2008, with a kickoff temperature of 10 degrees. This upcoming game has the potential to be just as frigid, if not colder.
The losing streak in cold-weather games dates back seven years, meaning that most of the current roster hasn’t experienced a victory in these conditions. Even head coach Mike McDaniel has struggled to put an end to this streak, having an 0-3 record in cold weather games. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also faces difficulties in such circumstances, holding a winless record of 0-4 in games with kickoff temperatures below 45 degrees.
The Dolphins’ challenge is further compounded by the fact that they cannot replicate the weather conditions they will encounter in Kansas City during practice. Miami’s current weather is forecasted to be in the mid-70s, with no possibility of experiencing the cold temperatures they will face in the game. This lack of preparation could prove to be a significant disadvantage.
Furthermore, the Dolphins will be up against a Chiefs team that has thrived in cold weather. In their past 10 home games with temperatures below 40 degrees, the Chiefs boast an impressive record of 9-1, including a perfect 4-0 in the playoffs.
Overall, the Dolphins are facing an uphill battle in their upcoming game against the Chiefs. They will need to overcome their historical struggles in cold weather and find a way to outperform a team that excels in these conditions. It remains to be seen if Miami can defy the odds and secure a much-needed victory.