Bills Dominate Dolphins in Thursday Night Showdown

The Miami Dolphins faced the Buffalo Bills in a pivotal AFC East matchup on Thursday Night Football at Highmark Stadium. Buffalo, coming off two dominant wins to open the season, maintained their unbeaten record with an early show of offensive strength, while the Dolphins’ struggles continued, dropping to 0-3. Buffalo capitalized on their first-quarter possessions, highlighted by Josh Allen‘s precise 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid. Allen finished the opening frame completing all three pass attempts for 34 yards and a touchdown. Kincaid, a key red zone target, hauled in both of his receptions for 29 yards and the score. The Dolphins answered with a touchdown drive capped by De’Von Achane, but struggled for consistency throughout the quarter. Miami’s offense, led by Tua Tagovailoa, has yet to find its rhythm this season. The Dolphins managed just 52 total yards in the first quarter and have been plagued by injuries, with right tackle Austin Jackson on injured reserve and key playmakers like Darren Waller and Jaylen Waddle sidelined or limited. Despite a brief spark in their previous outing, the Dolphins’ offensive line remains a concern, allowing eight sacks in the first two weeks. Tagovailoa’s protection issues continued against Buffalo’s aggressive front. Buffalo’s defense, even without starters Ed Oliver and Matt Milano, stifled Miami’s attack and forced inefficient third-down play. The Bills allowed only 154 yards and 11 points to the Jets last week, and their defensive discipline carried over, holding Miami to minimal gains. James Cook contributed 30 rushing yards in the opening quarter, continuing his strong start to the season behind a dominant Bills offensive line. On the injury front, both teams entered the game shorthanded. Miami ruled out Quinn Ewers, Darren Waller, Storm Duck, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Julius Brents, Tahj Washington, and Zeek Biggers. Buffalo was without Curtis Samuel, Jordan Hancock, Ja’Marcus Ingram, Matt Milano, Ed Oliver, Chase Lundt, and Landon Jackson, as confirmed by NFL.com. Pre-game odds favored Buffalo by double digits, reflecting their recent form and Miami’s ongoing struggles. Experts predicted a commanding Bills victory, with score projections like 33-16 and even 41-13 in Buffalo’s favor, as seen on CBS Sports and USA Today. Historically, the Bills have dominated this rivalry in recent years, and their performance Thursday night reinforced their status as early AFC contenders. The Dolphins, meanwhile, face mounting pressure to address their offensive issues and avoid a deeper slide as the season progresses.