It’s offense vs. defense down at the Hard Rock Stadium in Week 14, as the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, will test the mettle of the Miami Dolphins’ elite defense. This will also be the first meeting between Mahomes and rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, if you need another reason to watch this contest. Check out our preview of this game below.
Even on the few games where their usually prolific offense is not playing up to par, the Chiefs can still count on their other assets to make things happen for them. Such was the case for Kansas City in Week 13’s 22-16 home win over the Denver Broncos. Patrick Mahomes went 25 of 40 for 318 passing yards and just a touchdown with zero interceptions, but all he really needed was tight end Travis Kelce to deliver on the passing attack. Kelce finished with 136 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight catches against the Broncos. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s defense forced two Denver turnovers and, including Tyrann Mathieu’s game-saving interception to seal the deal in the fourth quarter. With Miami’s stout defense waiting for the Chiefs, it’s good to know for Kansas City that its defense can be relied upon to help keep any game manageable. The Chiefs are sixth in the league with 21.2 points allowed and eighth in opponents’ pass completion percentage (62.99). Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire missed the Denver game due to non-COVID-19 illness, but he seems to be headed for a return to action in Week 14.
The under is 7-3 in the Chiefs’ last 10 road games.
Much has been said about the Dolphins’ defense this season, but if it needs any more validation, then the Fins have a chance to silence the doubters in Week 14 against the high-powered offense of the Chiefs. The Dolphins are allowing just 17.7 points per game, second-best in the NFL. They are also limiting opponents to just 0.279 points per play, which is the league’s best mark. In Week 13, the Dolphins folded the Cincinnati Bengals like a lawn chair during a 17-9 home win. The defense was again there for Miami, as Cincy produced fewer than 200 total yards and went 3 of 12 on third-downs. Miami also forced two Cincinnati turnovers. The Dolphins’ stop unit will be all over Mahomes, but don’t forget that Tua Tagovailoa also seems to be getting better. The rookie out of Alabama gained confidence from the Cincinnati game, as he passed for 296 passing yards and a touchdown and zero turnovers on 26-of-39 completions.
The Dolphins are 4-0 against the spread in their last four home games.
