| Miami Dolphins (0-2) at Buffalo (2-0) | |||
| Game Details: Thursday, September 18, 8:15 p.m EST | |||
| Location: Orchard Park, NY | |||
| Where to Watch: Prime Video |
It’s a classic AFC East showdown under the Thursday night lights as the undefeated Buffalo Bills host the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium.
The Bills, sitting pretty at 2-0, look to extend their near-decade-long home winning streak against a Dolphins team desperate to wash away the bitter taste of a Week 2 collapse. For Miami, this short week is a blessing in disguise, forcing them to quickly turn the page and focus on a rival that has had their number for years.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | +11.5 | +500 | Over 49.5 |
| Buffalo Bills | -11.5 | -700 | Under 49.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Miami Dolphins | Team Stats – Avg per game | Buffalo Bills |
|---|---|---|
| 17.5 | Points Per Game | 35.5 |
| 215 | Passing Yards Per Game | 284 |
| 69.5 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 166 |
| 33 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 25 |
| 263.5 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 124 |
| 139 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 169 |
Key Details
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a team at a crossroads. After an agonizing 33-27 home loss to New England, where self-inflicted wounds and penalties derailed their final drive, they face a monumental task. The offense has shown flashes of brilliance, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connecting on explosive plays to star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Running back De’Von Achane continues to be a touchdown machine, scoring in both games this season and joining an elite group of active players with 25 touchdowns in their first 30 career games.
However, the bigger picture is troubling. The Dolphins’ offense has the third-worst points-per-drive average in the league, and the defense is dead last in opponent drive scoring percentage, giving up points on a staggering 75% of possessions. They allow the second-most points per game (33.0) and now face an opponent that many predict could drop 40 on them.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Josh Allen has transformed into Miami’s personal kryptonite, boasting an incredible 13-2 record against them, including a current six-game winning streak. In those games, he’s a statistical monster, averaging three touchdowns and over 272 passing yards. It’s no surprise the Bills have put up 30-plus points in 11 of those 13 wins.
But it’s not just Allen’s arm. The Bills have discovered a punishing ground game, racking up six rushing touchdowns in just two games. Running back James Cook exploded in Week 2 with 132 yards and two scores, leading a rushing attack that amassed 224 yards. That’s a nightmare scenario for a Dolphins defense that is currently ranked in the bottom 10 for rushing yards allowed per game.
Defensively, Buffalo is a machine. They haven’t lost the turnover battle in 24 straight games, the longest such streak in the NFL since 1950, and have forced a takeaway in six consecutive regular-season contests.
Prediction
This game is why they have built large, beautiful casinos in Las Vegas for years and years. There is no doubt Buffalo will win. That is not the debate. An NFL team should not lose by 12 points – that is the debate. But it is a short week, and Thursday games score low. But a low score could still see Buffalo dominating and beating the spread. But, but… you see, this is why Vegas has tall buildings. Go with the Bills to dominate, and this probably will contribute more money to the next Vegas casino.
