Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills Preview & Prediction

The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills are set to clash in a crucial early-season AFC East showdown on Thursday Night Football. Both teams enter Week 2 with a 1-0 record, but this game carries extra weight for Miami, as they aim to get past a Buffalo team that has had their number in recent seasons. The Bills have dominated this rivalry, winning four out of five matchups in the Mike McDaniel-Tua Tagovailoa era, including a playoff victory. For the Dolphins, a win against Buffalo would not only make a statement within the division but also help shed the frustration of constantly falling short against their northern rivals.

Josh Allen, who has an 11-2 career record against Miami, remains the centerpiece of the Bills’ attack. Despite dealing with a minor injury to his non-throwing hand, Allen is expected to play and lead an offense that continues to evolve. Last week, Buffalo spread the ball to nine different receivers, showcasing a diverse passing game that will test Miami’s defense. Additionally, James Cook looks to lead the ground game after a solid Week 1 performance, and rookie wideout Keon Coleman adds a fresh dynamic to the receiving corps.

Miami’s defense, under new coordinator Anthony Weaver, will have its hands full trying to contain Allen, who has accounted for 15 touchdowns in his last five games against the Dolphins. They showed resilience in Week 1 by shutting out the Jaguars in the second half of their 20-17 win, but maintaining that level of discipline and pressure will be key against Buffalo. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Jalen Ramsey will need to play pivotal roles in slowing down Buffalo’s multi-faceted attack.

On the offensive side, Miami’s explosive duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle presents a major threat to Buffalo’s secondary, especially with cornerback Taron Johnson ruled out. Hill and Waddle both went over 100 yards in the opener, and their speed will stretch Buffalo’s defense. However, the Dolphins may be without running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, putting more pressure on Tua Tagovailoa to deliver through the air.

While both teams come into this matchup off strong starts to the season, recent history favors Buffalo, which has owned this rivalry. The Dolphins will need to find more balance in their offensive approach and sustain drives to avoid relying solely on big plays. For the Bills, it’s all about containing Miami’s speed on the outside and leaning on their well-rounded offense to control the tempo.

Miami will push Buffalo to the limit in what is expected to be a tightly contested game, but the Dolphins still need to prove they can overcome their struggles against this AFC East powerhouse. The Bills, with their proven track record against Miami, will edge this one out, in a squeaker. Until the Dolphins can get the Bills monkey off their back, Buffalo remains the team to beat in the division.

Prediction
Bills-27
Dolphins-24

Check out LifeWalletSports.com to get connected with all of our NIL athletes and partnered brands.