Old hat: Chiefs win division
Despite struggles, they rally on road, secure another AFC West title
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Patrick Mahomes took a 30-yard sack before he got the Chiefs going in the right direction.
The Chiefs overcame a 10point deficit and four turnovers Sunday to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC West title by beating the Dolphins 33-27.
Mahomes took the longest sack in the NFL in five years and was picked off three times, his first multi-interception game in more than two years. But he threw for 393 yards and two scores to help the Chiefs (12-1) earn their eighth consecutive victory.
It was the Chiefs’ second consecutive comeback at Hard Rock Stadium, where they won the Super Bowl in February despite Mahomes’ two interceptions.
“We won the Super Bowl here and just clinched the AFC West — it seems every time we leave this stadium we have a hat about something we accomplished,” Mahomes said.
“The (bad) part, it seems, is like I have half my interceptions at this stadium.”
With the Dolphins’ loss, the Steelers clinched a playoff spot.
Tyreek Hill ran through the Dolphins’ secondary and behind it, scoring on a 32-yard run and a 44-yard reception when Mahomes hit him in stride at the goal line.
Travis Kelce had eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown, Mecole Hardman scored untouched on a 67-yard punt return, and the Chiefs defense was stout against Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ injury-riddled offense.
Chris Jones sacked the rookie for a safety for a 30-10 lead, and the Chiefs set a team record with their 10th road win in a row.
“Glad to get the win and get out of here,” coach Andy Reid said. “That’s a good football team.”
The Dolphins (8-5) hurt their playoff prospects by losing for only the second time in the last nine games. Despite the Dolphins’ bounty of takeaways, the Chiefs scored 30 consecutive points.