Why Dolphins' Mike McDaniel views Bills game as 'a blessing'

In theory, the last thing the 0-2 Miami Dolphins should want this week is to have to play a "Thursday Night Football" game at a 2-0 Buffalo Bills team that features reigning Most Valuable Player Josh Allen at quarterback. 

However, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel suggested that Thursday's showdown gives his team an opportunity to quickly move on from a disappointing start to the season. 

Is Bills game a "blessing" for winless Dolphins?

"Thursday night games, after a loss, they can be a blessing because you have no time to think about anything else," McDaniel said while speaking with reporters on Tuesday, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "And quite literally, I can paint a picture that I think the team is understanding, is that every moment that you spend thinking about anything but the opponent is going to serve you in the worst."

While McDaniel deserves some credit for sharing such a positive outlook about the prime-time matchup, the fact remains that numerous members of the NFL community fear the game could get ugly. As of Wednesday morning, ESPN BET had the Dolphins as massive 12.5-point underdogs for the contest held at Buffalo's Highmark Stadium. ESPN stats show that the Miami defense ended Week 2 of the season ranked 31st in the league in opponent points scored per game (33.0) and 26th in yards allowed per game (375.5).

Also on Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook had Allen and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens tied as the co-favorites at +320 odds to claim MVP for the ongoing campaign. 

Mike McDaniel remaining focused on task at hand amid rumors

It's no secret that a plane banner flew over Miami's Hard Rock Stadium this past Sunday calling for the firings of McDaniel and Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. On Tuesday, Miami wide receiver Jaylen Waddle insisted that McDaniel "is not bothered" by such talk about his unsettled future. 

"I think it's extremely important that the guys are solely focused, as I am, on the Bills and nothing else, because that's all that does matter, and truth be told, that's the formula for Week 3 every year, regardless of your record," McDaniel added.

Thursday's game may not be "must-win" for the 2025 Dolphins since it's still early in the season. That said, how Miami plays against Buffalo could show whether or not McDaniel's players are prepared to fight for their coach through the fall.