Chiefs-Dolphins: 5 things to watch in the Week 3 matchup

This week, the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Miami Dolphins in a Week 3 showdown in Miami. The game is set to kick off at 12:00 p.m. Arrowhead Time and will be broadcast locally on CBS (KCTV-5).The Chiefs enter the game 2-0 after a thrilling overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes put up his best performance in over a year, finishing with over 380 passing yards and three touchdowns. Travis Kelce reached the century mark for the first time in nearly two years and showed the league he is still a top tight end. Running back Kenneth Walker continued his hot start and, through two games, has 369 all-purpose yards.The Dolphins have had a disastrous start to the season and find themselves in a 0-2 hole after blowout losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. The Dolphins are ranked 27th in offensive yards per game and have scored only two offensive touchdowns this season.Here are five things to watch in another AFC battle. 1. Containing De’Von AchaneHe’s been quiet to start the 2026 season, but that could change quickly. Dolphins running back De’Von Achane has been one of the most explosive players in the NFL since being drafted in 2023, and the Chiefs will need to know where he lines up on every play.In his only career matchup against the Chiefs, Achane was held in check, rushing for only nine yards and catching three passes for 31 yards in a frigid Wild Card victory over the Dolphins in the playoffs in January of 2024.Although he has been off to a slow start this season, Achane finished last season with 1,838 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns.The Raiders and 49ers both kept him under 100 yards, and with the Chiefs defense coming off a game they would rather forget — giving up over 130 all-purpose yards to Colts back Jonathan Taylor — they should be motivated to keep the Dolphins’ primary source of offense from creating game-breaking plays.I would look for the Chiefs to bring quicker secondary players in the box — in Dime and Nickel personnel — to help contain Achane against the run, and have a variety of looks to slow down his receiving.2. Extended look for young skill playersWatching the Chiefs stars lead the charge has brought energy to the team early on, but in a game that heavily favors them, the team should look to spread the ball around on offense and let younger players get involved in the game plan.Tight end Travis Kelce has turned back the clock and leads the team through two games with 172 yards, but this week, the Chiefs should allow him more time to rest and spread the passing game around.Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could see an uptick, but the emphasis should be on players like wide receivers Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen and tight end Jake Briningstool this week, especially with a chance to get them live snaps.Kenneth Walker has also started the season at a historic pace, but to keep him fresh, the team would be wise to let rookie Emmett Johnson take more snaps this week.Johnson has flashed, showing tackle-breaking and an elusive running style, but he has seen no more than ten touches in a game. This week would be the perfect opportunity for the Chiefs to turn up the dial on his volume.3. Rushing the passerLast week against the Colts, the Chiefs’ pass rush had little impact, and the unit struggled to pressure quarterback Daniel Jones. This week should be a chance for them to change their fortunes and rebuild momentum by getting after quarterbacks.Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has been sacked nine times, the most in the NFL so far this season. With the offensive line issues and a lack of downfield passing attack, the Chiefs should look to take advantage.Defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis are both looking for their first sacks, and this could be a good week for them to break out.This could also be a good opportunity for rookie Peter Woods to get his first career sack, and edge rusher R Mason Thomas to continue his impressive start to the season.4. Old friendsThe Dolphins have several players on their roster with former ties to Kansas City, and many who are listed on their two-deep depth chart.The most notable name is No. 40 Willie Gay Jr., who is listed as the Dolphins’ starting strong-side linebacker. Gay played in Kansas City for four seasons, winning two Super Bowls as a starter, and was a fan favorite.Listed as the Dolphins’ starting free safety is Zayne Anderson, who spent time with the team in 2020 and 2021. While a practice squad member and special teams player in Kansas City, Anderson has played in over half of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps this season.Defensive lineman Malik Herring will be expected to play in a reserve role, and Chu Godrick is listed as the Dolphins’ third-string tackle after being released by the Chiefs at the end of training camp.5. Explosive plays for Mahomes?After struggling in Week 1, Mahomes found wide receiver Tyquan Thornton deep twice for big plays. After two consecutive seasons of conservative football, the deep shots were a welcome sight and should have everyone clamoring for more.The Dolphins have allowed five passing plays of over 20 yards so far this season, and Mahomes has completed five passes over 20 yards.With Mahomes dialed in and connecting on big plays, the Chiefs should look to attack early and often.