The NFL. Any given Sunday. Yada, yada, yada.
You might think what projects as a mismatch between an active dynasty and a franchise that hasn't enjoyed a playoff win in more than a quarter century might be subject to one quasi-equalizer: the South Florida weather. But nope, Sunday's current forecast calls for relatively cooler temperatures, perhaps low 80s, and even showers.
Regardless, the Dolphins might have to reacclimate nearly as much as the Chiefs after playing under a dome in Las Vegas in their opener before practicing in Napa, California, all of last week ahead of their loss in Silicon Valley to the 49ers.
Oh, yeah, the football part. After missing the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in more than a decade, the Chiefs very much seem to
have reverted to the perennial contenders they've been throughout the Patrick Mahomes-Andy Reid era – with newly acquired Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III more than living up to his price tag and anticipated impact through two weeks. Meanwhile, Mahomes has shown little rust in the aftermath of his months-long rehabilitation from last year's season-ending knee injury. Even newlywed TE Travis Kelce, 36, seems revitalized.
As for the Dolphins? A talent-deficient roster strapped with more than $180 million in dead salary cap charges has yet to be competitive, outscored by 36 points through two weeks. Enough said.
Dolphins vs Chiefs odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Chiefs -7.5
- Moneyline: Chiefs -395; Dolphins +310
- Total: 44.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Chiefs at Dolphins score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Chiefs 31, Dolphins 17
I don't know whether the Chiefs will cover this enormous spread. Laying double digits with a road favorite is never comfortable, even with Patrick Mahomes. Maybe especially with Mahomes. But there's just no way I'm picking Kansas City to lose this game. Miami has dropped its first two games by an average of 18 points and now must contend with an offense that produced 33 points and 484 yards in an overtime escape against Indianapolis. Mahomes already looks shockingly comfortable in his return from a serious knee injury, while reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III has forced his way into the early Offensive Player of the Year conversation with consecutive dominant performances. The Chiefs have their sights set on another championship. The Dolphins are openly rebuilding. It doesn't get much more cut and dried than that.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chiefs 38, Dolphins 20
We're a long way from the 2023 wild-card matchup in which these two teams last met. A week after being dissected by Brock Purdy, the Dolphins' defense looks to be in for another long day against Patrick Mahomes and a Kansas City passing attack that's taking full advantage of having the threat of an explosive run game. The Chiefs' defense sparked some cause for concern in last week's overtime win over the Colts, but Miami has been unable to safeguard quarterback Malik Willis, who's taken nine sacks and been subjected to relentless pressure.
Nate Davis: Chiefs 27, Dolphins 13
Not sure what the Chiefs will realistically worry about – inside the walls of their facility, anyway – aside from creeping overconfidence. Even Miami's best player, RB De'Von Achane, has been neutralized so far – held to 4.2 yards per touch, easily a career low. Feels like a blowout, unless Reid seizes a potential opportunity to ease off the gas and rest starters in the wake of two primetime games, including one that required a full overtime period Sunday night.
Richard Morin: Chiefs 35, Dolphins 16
I'm not sure whether you've heard, but the Dolphins are bad. Real bad. This will likely be the most popular Survivor Pool pick of the week, given Miami's ineffectiveness and how hard the Chiefs were faded during the season's first two weeks. It's OK to buy back in on Patrick Mahomes and Co. The veteran quarterback looks proficient and nimble, and we shouldn't expect anything less when Kansas City squares up against the downtrodden Dolphins.
Where to watch Chiefs at Dolphins
- Matchup: Dolphins vs. Chiefs
- Date: Sept. 27
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
- Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 3 picks and predictions
- Falcons at Packers
- Chargers at Bills
- Raiders at Saints
- Patriots at Jaguars
- Texans at Colts
- Seahawks at Commanders
- Chiefs at Dolphins
- Jets at Lions
- Bengals at Steelers
- Vikings at Buccaneers
- Titans at Giants
- Cardinals at 49ers
- Panthers at Browns
- Ravens at Cowboys
- Rams at Broncos
- Eagles at Bears
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs at Dolphins: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game
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