Buffalo Bills Charge into Week 3 Against the Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are facing the difficult task of preparing for an important AFC East division game on a short week. On the other hand, the Buffalo Bills are riding the momentum of a 2-0 start to the season, and the Miami Dolphins are reeling after a disastrous 0-2 start with rumors that head coach Mike McDaniel could be the first NFL coach fired this season.

Buffalo Bills Charge into Week 3 Against the Dolphins

Buffalo has had an exciting start to the 2025 season. In Week 1, the Bills won a wild 41-40 shootout against the Baltimore Ravens, and in Week 2, they easily defeated the New York Jets, a team with high expectations. The Bills have encountered challenges, including the loss of defensive tackle Ed Oliver while preparing for the Jets, and this week, linebacker Matt Milano was announced as likely out with a torn pectoral muscle. Offensively, running back James Cook and quarterback Josh Allen have led the strong start. In contrast with the Buffalo Bills’ success in the first two weeks of the season, the Miami Dolphins have struggled to gain traction for the 2025 season.  The Dolphins’ season started with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has struggled over the last several seasons, and they narrowly missed an opportunity to secure their first win of the season against the New England Patriots. Along with a 0-2 start, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has spent the last two weeks visibly frustrated with a poorly performing Miami offense. In addition to struggling on offense, the Dolphins’ defense has failed to stop opposing offenses.

Injury Report

The NFL Injury Report for Week 3 indicates that both the Bills and Dolphins are facing some roster attrition. Buffalo will come into this game missing defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle), linebacker Matt Milano (torn pectoral), and cornerback Taron Johnson (quad), who are missing time in practice this week.  On the other hand, Buffalo missed a major bullet with quarterback Josh Allen and an injury to his nose in the Jets game.  All indicators show that Allen will play this week, but he may end up wearing a clear visor to protect his nose. Miami is dealing with injuries to cornerback Storm Duck (ankle) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf), a significant blow to a struggling secondary. The Dolphins have also had other players, including linebacker Chop Robinson, miss time this week.

Key to Victory #1:  Dominate the Ground Game

The Buffalo Bills’ greatest edge over the Miami Dolphins is their strong running game—powered by a robust offensive line, running back James Cook, and quarterback Josh Allen’s mobility. To succeed, the Bills should lean on the run to keep drives alive against a Miami front seven that struggles to stop rushing attacks. Meanwhile, Miami’s offense relies heavily on screen passes and intermediate timing routes, particularly targeting De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle through quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Key to Victory #2:  Execute on Special Teams

The biggest threat that the Dolphins pose to the Buffalo Bills lies with the speed and athleticism that Miami has on its special teams units.  If Buffalo comes into this game without being completely focused on the task of shutting down the Dolphins, then it is possible that Miami can take advantage of that lack of focus.  Buffalo needs to ensure that their punt protection is sound and that it covers punts effectively.  Additionally, the Bills need to be aware of who is returning the ball and be prepared to work together to capitalize on the Dolphins’ returners.  Momentum can turn on a dime when a team makes a big special teams play, and the Bills will need to make sure that they do not give the Dolphins that opportunity.

Key to Victory #3:  Efficient Passing Attack

Pass coverage has been a weakness for the Dolphins’ defense. For the Bills and Josh Allen, playing smart and taking what the defense allows is key. Allen excels when he plays efficiently, but he sometimes forces passes. If he tries to showcase his arm, he risks throwing interceptions. If he patiently reads his progressions and runs when needed, Allen should deliver another strong prime-time performance.

Key to Victory #4:  Win on 3rd Down

Offensively, the Bills must avoid third-and-long situations by gaining positive yardage on early downs and mixing run and pass plays to stay unpredictable. If they do reach third down, they need to convert to sustain drives and limit Miami’s offensive possessions. Defensively,  the Bills need to get the Dolphins offense behind the chains and force Tagovailoa to make some throws downfield.  If the Bills’ secondary can keep Hill and Waddle in front of them, the Dolphins will struggle to finish drives without making serious mistakes.

Key to Victory #5:  Force Dolphins Turnovers

It is likely that the turnover battle will determine which team wins this critical Thursday Night matchup in the AFC East.  Buffalo needs to take care of the ball when on offense, while still finding ways to make the Dolphins’ defense pay for what they are giving up to the Bills.  Josh Allen simply needs to continue getting the ball to his weapons on offense and not approach the game as if he needs to win against the Dolphins.  Defensively, the Bills’ defense has developed a reputation as one of the top units in the NFL for taking the ball away from their opponents.  This week, the opportunities to take the ball away from the Dolphins will be available, and Buffalo needs to take advantage of those situations by putting points on the scoreboard after turnovers.

Game Prediction:

Buffalo Bills 35, Miami Dolphins 17

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