Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce lead Chiefs against Miami Dolphins: what to watch

Like Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce, who didn’t play in the regular-season finale and passed up a receiving milestone in order to gain additional rest for the playoffs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes left something on the table last weekend.

Mahomes went into the game at the L.A. Chargers just 83 passing yards behind Len Dawson’s mark for most in Chiefs history. That record will have to wait until next season (playoff stats don’t count here), when Mahomes also figures to become the franchise leader in touchdown passes — he needs 18 to tie Dawson’s 237 in that category.

Now, both Mahomes and Kelce have new standards to uphold as the postseason arrives.

Mahomes is the highest-rated passer in NFL postseason history. His mark of 107.4, which takes into account categories like completion, touchdown and interception percentages, outpaces Bart Starr (104.8) and Kurt Warner (102.8).

The Chiefs’ record in Mahomes’ playoff games is 11-3, and his victory total is tied for eighth all-time. On his way to becoming a two-time Super Bowl MVP, he’s thrown 35 playoff-touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

Amazing.

“This is when the best football is played,” Mahomes said. “All the mistakes are magnified, but all the successes are magnified. You go out with the mentality that I’m going to take it one play at a time, put my best effort forward and see what happens.”

There’s also this: Mahomes has never played a road playoff game, save the Chiefs’ loss to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV. If the Chiefs defeat the Miami Dolphins in Saturday night’s Wild Card game, he’ll likely play his first AFC playoff game on the road, in Buffalo. That happens if the Chiefs and Bills win this weekend.

As for Kelce, who passed on the chance for his eighth 1,000-yard season by sitting out last week, he seeks to add to postseason totals that already make him the most productive tight end in NFL history. His 133 career receptions in 18 games ranks ranks second only to Jerry Rice (151), as do his 16 touchdowns (Rice had 22).

Here’s what -- and how -- to watch the Chiefs Dolphins:

How to watch Chiefs-Dolphins (outside KC, Miami)

On a larger network (or ESPN), the Chiefs-Dolphins game would draw 25 million-30 million viewers, a monster audience. This matchup has that much appeal.

Instead, because the game is only on the streaming service Peacock outside of the Kansas City and Miami/Fort Lauderdale markets, the viewership numbers won’t come anywhere close to that.

The NFL is on board. Mike North, the league’s vice president of broadcast planning, told NFL Network that fans should brace themselves for more streaming of big games.

“Is it going to be the most streamed sporting event in history? We think so,” North said. “That will be another bar for us to climb over in the future. Is it a bit of a risk? Yeah. A bit of an experiment? Definitely. But it sure seems like this is where things are going.”

Yes it does. For viewers, that means more money shelled out for more streaming services. Those outside the KC/Miami markets must pony up a $5.99 monthly fee (for a service that can be canceled at any time).

Mike North is right. Sadly, this is where things are going.

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said that, despite the cold weather, the Chiefs must pass the ball effectively. But this could shape up as an Isiah Pacheco game. The Chiefs’ No. 1 running back had two of his best three efforts in the December against the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

Dolphins running back De’Von Achane

What a first half against the Bills last weekend: Dolphins running back De’Von Achane had 55 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown run, in the first half ... but then he received just two more carries for one yard through the remainder of the game.

The speedy Achane didn’t play against the Chiefs in Germany. The rookie averages a robust 7.8 yards per rushing attempt and has three receiving touchdowns this season.

Chiefs return specialist Richie James

When special teams coordinator Dave Toub reminded reporters this week that the Bills returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown last week, he wasn’t being critical of the Dolphins’ coverage team.

Rather, Toub was giving it back to those who have questioned James’ habit of fielding punts inside the 10. The cold weather will affect both sides’ special teams — especially on kickoffs, Toub said.

“You’re talking about getting returns,” Toub said. “That goes both ways. It’s hard to hit touchbacks. When you’re hitting into the wind, for sure the cold weather, that’s another five yards off.”