Chiefs' playoff tilt with Dolphins expected to be one of coldest games in NFL history

When the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins kick off on Saturday night, they're both trending to set records for the coldest game played in franchise history.  According to the latest report from the National Weather Service in Kansas City, temperatures are expected to be -1 degrees with a -22 degree wind chill. Whether that […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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When the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins kick off on Saturday night, they're both trending to set records for the coldest game played in franchise history. 

According to the latest report from the National Weather Service in Kansas City, temperatures are expected to be -1 degrees with a -22 degree wind chill. Whether that changes much before kickoff doesn't quite matter, temperatures are still expected to reach dangerously cold levels and anyone attending the Chiefs-Dolphins game should plan accordingly. 

The previous low temperature for a cold weather game in Arrowhead Stadium was 1 degree weather with a -19 degree wind chill when they hosted the Tennessee Titans in the 2016-2017 playoffs. The coldest game the Dolphins have ever played actually came against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in 2008, when the temperature was about 10 degrees at kickoff and a windchill of -12 degrees.

The Chiefs lost that game against the Titans 22-21, and the Dolphins won that game in Kansas City by a score of 38-31. Recent history has yielded much different results.

You'll hear plenty about how the Dolphins have lost 10 straight games in weather below 40 degrees. What you won't hear enough about is how the Chiefs have been as good as Miami has been bad in cold weather games. K.C. has a 9-1 record including a 4-0 record during the postseason in temperatures below 40 degrees. 

Consider that Miami's QB, Tua Tagovailoa, is from Hawaii, played at Alabama, and trains in warm-weather climates. Many Dolphins players are in the same boat, especially those who've been with the organization for several seasons. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have a handful of players on the roster who were around for the Chiefs' previous coldest game against the Titans. It's shaping up to be quite the advantageous weather conditions. Add in the fact that Miami has won only a single road playoff game since 1972, and quite a few factors are working against them.

As far as NFL history is concerned, the coldest game on record was the Ice Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys in December of 1967. At kickoff, that game touched -13 degrees with an even colder windchill. It looks like this upcoming matchup on wild-card weekend will land in the top-5 coldest games in NFL history unless there is a major change in conditions ahead of Saturday night.

Here are some tips on staying warm from the Chiefs' wild-card weekend press release:

  • Bundle up with loose fitting layers and cover all exposed skin.
  • Guests may carry in blankets (without zippers or compartments), draped over their shoulder during the security screening process, cardboard no larger than 3’x5’, as well as portable chargers and non dry cell batteries (both no larger than 6”x3”x1.5”) to power heated apparel. Battery packs must be disconnected during security inspection. More information can be found at chiefs.com/prohibitedpermitted.
  • Fans needing additional layers on site may visit one of the many Pro Shop locations that will be stocked with warm-wear.
  • Stay hydrated. All guests may bring in one factory sealed bottle of water, 20 ounces or less.
  • Warming stations will be located throughout the complex:
    • Exterior: Warming trailers will be available near parking gates 3/4, 5 and 6, inside Lots B, C, D, F and G as well as the northwest corner of the Ford Tailgate District in Lot M.
    • Interior: Nine warming stations will be located inside the stadium:
      • One at the bottom of each of the four Field Level spirals.
      • Near the Jim Beam (north) and Crown Royal (south) bars located on the Upper Level.
      • Near the Red Zones on the east and west sides of the Upper Level.
      • The Season Ticket Member Kickoff Countdown tent, located on the Plaza Level near Gate G, will turn into a warming zone at kickoff for all fans.
  • Grab a cup of hot chocolate available for sale at all Chiefs Bars, Tailgater, Blaze and Sheridan’s locations on the Field and Upper Levels.
  • Fans who pledge to be a designated driver at one of the Fans First Booths will receive a coupon for a complimentary cup of hot chocolate.

Additional tips on staying warm from Arrowhead Stadium veterans:

  • Bring a 3’x5’ piece of cardboard (adheres to Arrowhead's sign policy) to stand on if you’re in a section where you’re standing on concrete. This will help insulate your feet from the cold. 
  • According to former Chiefs RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (also a doctor), making noise and jumping around will help get your blood moving, so try to be as loud as possible when the defense is on the field.
  • Cover your face with a scarf or ski mask. If you have issues with dry eyes, be sure to bring some type of winter eyewear.

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