Dolphins face their biggest test in Buffalo.
The first game of Week 3 sees the Miami Dolphins head north to take on divisional rivals the Buffalo Bills.
With everyone watching on Thursday Night Football, here is a breakdown of what to expect.
Current form and stakes
Buffalo enter this game undefeated (2-0), having looked sharp on both offense and defense in the first two weeks.
Josh Allen is back to his dual-threat best and the Bills’ offense is humming. They are leveraging a balanced attack with strong runs from James Cook and reliable receiving from Keon Coleman and company.
Miami, on the other hand, have yet to notch a win. They sit at 0-2 and are performing below what were low expectations to begin with.
The offense has shown flashes of what it can be… but inconsistency, especially on defense, has haunted them.
Allowing 33 points per game in their first two outings, Miami’s defensive unit has been vulnerable, with 12 of 14 drives ending in points. Even one of those two stops was a kneel-down.
Key matchups
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Josh Allen vs. Miami’s pass rush: If the Dolphins’ front seven, especially guys like Bradley Chubb, can pressure Allen, disrupt his timing and limit his scrambling, they stand a chance. But if Buffalo’s protection holds up, Allen will have the kind of time that spells big trouble for the Dolphins secondary.
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Buffalo’s ground game vs. Miami’s run defense: James Cook is off to a strong start. He will need consistent lanes and opportunities to run. If the Dolphins fail to fill gaps or tackle well, Cook and Buffalo could control the tempo and slow down Miami’s big-play ability.
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Big-play potential from Miami’s receivers: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane give Miami the weapons to change the game in a hurry. They will need to be efficient – fewer mistakes, more explosive gains – if they are to keep pace with Buffalo
What to watch for
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Early momentum: Buffalo has a strong chance of jumping out fast. If they establish the run or hit a big pass early, it could force Miami into playing catch-up, something they have struggled with so far.
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Turnovers and mistakes: Miami’s defense has been shaky, and any offensive turnovers or misreads could be very costly.
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Weather and environment: Highmark Stadium in mid‑September can bring cool, damp conditions. While nothing extreme is forecast, anything that slows down speed – wet ball, slick field – benefits the more physical, balanced team (the Bills).
Prediction
The Bills are heavy favorites in this one (-12.5).
Given Miami’s defensive woes and Buffalo’s well-rounded offense, this looks like a game where the Bills pull away in the second half, if they keep Miami from big momentum plays early. Expect something along the lines of Buffalo 41, Miami 10, depending on how well – or poorly – Miami’s defense plays.
Either way, Thursday night in Buffalo promises to be a crossroads for the current Miami regime.
A win – ‘miracle’ might be the word – or a close loss probably keeps them in place for now.
A heavy defeat could see owner Stephen Ross push the button on the Head Coach and General Manager.
