Seven things to know about Chiefs’ playoff opponent: Miami plagued by injuries

It’ll be a playoff and regular-season rematch for the Chiefs.

Because they didn’t get a bye, the Chiefs will open the postseason on Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium against the Miami Dolphins in an AFC Wild Card Game.

The Chiefs have never beaten Miami in the postseason. The Dolphins defeated KC 27-17 in 1994, 17-16 in 1991 and 27-24 in 1971 — a double-overtime defeat on Christmas Day that remains the longest playoff game in NFL history.

It’ll be a regular-season rematch, too. The Chiefs beat the Dolphins 21-14 in Frankfurt, Germany in November.

That’s all history, of course, and will have no impact on what happens this weekend.

Here’s a quick look at the Dolphins ahead of their AFC Divisional Wild Card game, which is Sunday and will air on Peacock and KSHB (Ch. 41) in Kansas City.

1. How Dolphins got here

Miami finished with an 11-6 record and qualified for the playoffs as the AFC’s second wild card. The Dolphins finished second in the AFC East behind the Buffalo Bills.

The Dolphins entered Sunday’s games with the No. 1-ranked scoring offense (30.1 points per game) and the 21st-ranked defense (23.1 points per game).

2. Miami’s recent run of play

The Dolphins appeared to be in firm control of the AFC East a month ago but dropped three of their final five games. That includes Sunday night’s 21-14 loss to the Bills.

Dec. 11: Titans 28, at Dolphins 27

Dec. 17: at Dolphins 30, Jets 0

Dec. 24: at Dolphins 22, Cowboys 20

Dec. 31: at Ravens 56, Dolphins 19

Jan. 7: Bills 21, at Dolphins 14

3. Anyone remember Tyreek Hill?

OK, that’s a joke. Everyone in KC remembers Hill. He’s had an incredible second season for the Dolphins, with 119 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns.

That included this touchdown reception during Sunday night’s loss to the Bills.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this season joined Dan Marino as only quarterbacks in Dolphins history with 4,500 or more passing yards in a season.

4. Lengthy injury report

Miami had a whopping 19 players on its injury report this week. Here are some of the notables.

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle missed a second straight game Sunday because of an ankle injury. He was limited in practice Friday, CBS Sports reported, which could offer hope for the Dolphins that he’d return for the playoffs.

If he can’t go, that’ll put even more on Hill’s shoulders. River Cracraft and Cedrick Wilson are other receiving options for the Dolphins.

Running back Raheem Mostert (high-ankle sprain) also missed his second straight game. Rookie De’Von Achane averaged 8.0 yards per carry heading into Sunday’s game.

The Dolphins hope to have cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) back for the playoffs, according to the Phin Phanatic blog. Eli Apple, the former Bengals corner, played extensively Sunday.

Linebacker Bradley Chubb was injured late in the Dolphins’ blowout loss at Baltimore and had surgery on his ACL last week. He’s out for the season.

5. Specific defensive issues

As noted, the Dolphins entered Sunday night’s game with the 21st-ranked scoring defense, allowing 23.1 points per game.

But the Democrat & Chronicle noted Miami struggled against teams that had a winning record (Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles, Cowboys and first meeting vs. the Bills), allowing “35 points per game, a completion percentage of 73.6, a yards per pass attempt of 9.4, and an opposing passer rating of 139.8.”

On the plus side for Miami, the defense only allowed two touchdowns to the Bills on Sunday night (one was on special teams).

6. Take it away

The Dolphins intercepted two Josh Allen passes in the end zone on Sunday night and recovered an Allen fumble. They have 11 straight games with a takeaway, the longest current streak in the NFL, per NBC.

7. Former Chiefs on the edge

Miami edge rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Cameron Goode both left Sunday night’s game because of injury. That left the Dolphins with just two edge rushers, as NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico noted.

Both are former Chiefs: Emmanuel Ogbah and Melvin Ingram.

Ingram, 34, played for the Chiefs in 2021, while Ogbah, 30, was with the Chiefs in 2019.