Kansas City Chiefs beat Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead in playoff victory

The Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday secured a 26-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the National Football League (NFL) playoffs at frigid Arrowhead Stadium.

Thanks to a strong defence led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 262 yards and a touchdown, and Harrison Butker's four field goals, the Chiefs took another step toward a Super Bowl title defence.

Despite -4°F (-20°C) at kickoff with the wind chill making it feel even colder, the Chiefs' defence kept Miami's potentially explosive offence in check with the hosts shrugging off brutally cold conditions, AFP reported.

Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce's pop icon girlfriend Taylor Swift also showed up to cheer for him in a Chiefs-themed down coat emblazoned with her star boyfriend's number 87.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid's trademark moustache was frozen by half-time in the fourth-coldest game in league history, according to the NFL.

"We knew it was going to be cold, but all week we were preaching let's come in there with that fire and just get after it and see what happens," said Mahomes, who hit rookie Rashee Rice for a touchdown on the first drive of the game.

Kelce had seven catches for 71 yards and Isiah Pacheco ran 23 times for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Mahomes's helmet cracked during a second-half hit, possibly due to the cold. A replacement helmet was adjusted on the sideline, which was "frozen" and needed warming up.

Despite the distraction, Mahomes managed to overcome it, and the Chiefs reached the divisional round of the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

The Dolphins offence was hindered by the Chiefs’ defence, keeping Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under constant pressure.

Chiefs’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill made a 53-yard touchdown catch, but the Dolphins finished with 264 total yards.