AFC East Showdown: Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins Preview

It’s an AFC East battle under the bright lights of South Beach when the Buffalo Bills (1-0) take on the Miami Dolphins (1-0) at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday Night Football.

Last season, this division came down to a tiebreaker between these two clubs, so it’s not too early to underscore the importance of this matchup for both teams.

Week 1 Recap:

Both Buffalo and Miami started their seasons slowly but managed to overcome double-digit deficits to claim their first wins.

• Buffalo Bills: In Orchard Park, the Bills found themselves trailing the Arizona Cardinals 17-3 late in the first half before staging a comeback to avoid a Week 1 upset. Josh Allen led the charge, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for two more, accounting for a total of 271 yards on the afternoon.
• Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins also opened their season at home, falling behind 17-7 at halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Tyreek Hill turned the tide with an 80-yard touchdown reception from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter. Jason Sanders added a pair of fourth-quarter field goals, helping Miami secure a 20-17 victory. Hill finished the day with seven receptions for 130 yards.

Key Storylines for Thursday Night:

1. Josh Allen’s Dominance Over Miami: Allen holds a remarkable 10-2 career record against the Dolphins. In those 12 games, the Bills have averaged 32.9 points per game, showcasing Allen’s effectiveness in this divisional rivalry.
2. Jordan Poyer Facing His Former Team: Former Bills’ safety Jordan Poyer will line up against his old squad for the first time. Poyer, who made six tackles in Miami’s season opener against Jacksonville, will be a player to watch on the Dolphins’ defense.
3. Dolphins’ Offensive Speed: While Tyreek Hill remains the focal point, Miami’s offense showed its overall speed in Week 1, averaging 9.1 yards per pass attempt and amassing a total of 400 yards against the Jaguars. The Dolphins’ ability to generate big plays will be critical against a tough Buffalo defense.

With both teams coming off comeback wins and a long-standing rivalry at play, this Thursday night clash promises to be an electrifying encounter.

The Bills will look to maintain their dominance over the Dolphins, while Miami aims to prove that their speed and new defensive additions can disrupt Buffalo’s rhythm. With so much on the line early in the season, this game could have significant implications in the AFC East race.