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Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Impress Fans With NFL Playoff Win in Bitter Cold vs. Dolphins

zach bacharContributor IJanuary 14, 2024

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 13: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts as he takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Miami Dolphins at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

On a frigid Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium, Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a resounding 26-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

The Chiefs have now advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in six consecutive seasons. Mahomes completed 23 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown without committing a turnover, adding 41 more yards on the ground.

He opened up the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice, giving Kanas City a lead that it would not relinquish for the rest of the contest. Rice ran amuck in Miami's secondary all night long, finishing with a game-high 130 yards on eight receptions.

NFL @NFL

Opening drive touchdown for Rashee Rice and the Chiefs!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIAvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIAvsKC</a> on Peacock<br>Also available on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/bTakd7vjlv">https://t.co/bTakd7vjlv</a> <a href="https://t.co/VwS7YRk2Yg">pic.twitter.com/VwS7YRk2Yg</a>

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

First half receiving YDS 😮<br><br>Dolphins WRs: 4 REC, 79 YDS, 1 TD<br>Rashee Rice: 6 REC, 92 YDS, 1 TD <a href="https://t.co/RDG28j63BP">pic.twitter.com/RDG28j63BP</a>

Mahomes was able to stay clean in the pocket, taking zero sacks. He lost a piece of his helmet during a rush attempt in the third quarter after he was tackled in the cold weather, although he was able to replace the helmet without missing a snap.

Sunday Night Football on NBC @SNFonNBC

A piece of Patrick Mahomes' helmet came flying off. 😮 <a href="https://t.co/m2bFObIhnq">pic.twitter.com/m2bFObIhnq</a>

B/R Gridiron @brgridiron

Mahomes' helmet got cracked 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/5HqxF0CtOe">pic.twitter.com/5HqxF0CtOe</a>

NFL fans were impressed with the two-time MVP's strong performance, as Mahomes now owns a record of 12-3 in the playoffs for his career.

NFL @NFL

Rashee Rice is at 130 receiving yards and counting 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIAvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIAvsKC</a> on Peacock<br>Also available on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> <a href="https://t.co/bTakd7vjlv">https://t.co/bTakd7vjlv</a> <a href="https://t.co/AOzSUAdpIL">pic.twitter.com/AOzSUAdpIL</a>

📽️ Red Tribe Cinema @ClayWendler

Patrick Mahomes, The Warrior. <a href="https://t.co/HpM3csCQal">pic.twitter.com/HpM3csCQal</a>

Bird Law Expert 🇺🇦 @RealBirdLawyer

Mahomes has been throwing in rhythm more tonight than he has all year. You love to see it

Geoff Schwartz @geoffschwartz

Dolphins defense trying to zero Mahomes into a mistake. It's not working.

Braiden Turner @bturner23

PLAYOFF PAT

Steve Wyche @wyche89

What a throw, catch and run from Mahomes to Rice. They have a serious combo cooking

Cody Tapp @codybtapp

Patrick Mahomes has been incredible tonight. Nearly perfect

Ben Gretch @YardsPerGretch

Mahomes is dialed in, dude's so incredible to watch at his peak

Cian @Cianaf

What a quarterback Mahomes is. Can't really praise him enough.

Kansas City's defense stifled a Dolphins squad that finished the regular season with the NFL's No. 2 scoring offense, shutting out head coach Mike McDaniel's team in the second half.

If the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Buffalo Bills on Monday, the Chiefs are set to host the Houston Texans in the divisional round. If Buffalo wins, Kansas City will travel to Highmark Stadium for another marquee postseason matchup between Mahomes and Josh Allen.