Chiefs stars looked to Canada to decide play-off win against the Dolphins

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Mother Nature had a cold night in store at Arrowhead on Saturday, but the Kansas City Chiefs were ready.

With their 26-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the reigning Super Bowl champions are one step away from a sixth successive trip to the AFC Championship Game.

Andy Reid‘s team were solid across the board, as the record-setting cold conditions did not seem to deter them.

At kick-off, the temperature was -4 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -20 Celsius, making it the fourth-coldest game in NFL history and the coldest ever at Arrowhead.

The only thing that looked in doubt Saturday was whether or not Andy Reid’s moustache would survive the frigid conditions.

Like any great team, though, the Chiefs did their homework, scouting their opponents and getting tips on how to handle the bone-chilling temperatures.

Neighbourly Advice

Canada is known as a country full of diversity, overly polite people and cold weather.

Anyone who’s visited the Great White North knows the crazy cold weather the country encounters.

Anyone who’s played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) knows first-hand that the weather plays a factor when the postseason rolls around.

Slick field conditions and frostbite are always a possibility come playoff time in Canada.

Cold weather is the great equalizer in the CFL, getting the better of many iconic figures.

Doug Flutie is one of the best football players in CFL history.

He famously froze his hands in the 1993 CFL West Division Final in Calgary.

His Stampeders went on to lose that game to their arch-rivals Edmonton.

Fortunately for the Chiefs, Justin Reid has connections to the CFL and used them to prepare for Saturday’s game.

Reid got some helpful suggestions from his CFL buddies on how to deal with the cold.

Keep your core temperature up with constant movement, warm your extremities (hands and feet) and don’t wear many layers.

Those were the main takeaways Reid used to his advantage on Saturday.

The entire Chiefs roster seemed to follow his lead, looking as sharp as we’ve seen in weeks.

Rashee Rice had eight catches for 130 yards and a score in his playoff debut, becoming only the second Chiefs rookie to reach the century mark for receiving yards in a playoff game.

Patrick Mahomes went 23/41 for 262 yards and a score, while the defense held Miami to under 300 yards (264).

Cold game upcoming?

The Chiefs handled the frigid conditions brilliantly Saturday.

Tyreek Hill had just 62 yards receiving with a score, with Raheem Mostert running for only 33 yards.

It could be another chilly affair wherever the Chiefs play this weekend.

If the Buffalo Bills defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs must go to Orchard Park with endless snow and wind likely.

If Pittsburgh wins, they’ll host the Houston Texans in KC.

It’s unlikely to warm up that much in such a short period.

In terms of the conditions, though, there is no reason to prepare differently this weekend.