The Buffalo Bills have looked like one of the NFL’s best teams during the 2025 season, with a 6-2 start. However, they have struggled against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10, getting shut out through the first two quarters.
After signing a significant contract extension in the offseason, the Bills expected a lot from WR Khalil Shakir. He’s had a good season overall, but has been a no-show against the Dolphins. Let’s take a look at his slow start.
What Happened to Buffalo Bills WR Khalil Shakir?
No, Shakir is not injured. Through two quarters of action in Week 10, Shakir has only been targeted twice, catching one for three yards. The Bills’ offense as a whole has struggled to gain just 90 yards in the first half. They’ve also lost a fumble as the Dolphins’ defense has hounded them all afternoon.
Shakir has been a solid presence for the Bills all season, catching 38 of 49 targets for 399 yards and three touchdowns. This comes after hauling in 76 passes a season ago for 821 yards and four touchdowns. According to the PFSN WR Impact metric, Shakir is ranked 14th among receivers in the league.
It’s clear they discussed these issues in the locker room at halftime as the Bills’ offense came out in the second half ready to go, driving right down the field. Shakir caught two more passes, including an 11-yard strike, to up his total to three receptions for 19 yards on the day.
Things do get more complicated with tight end Dalton Kincaid going down with a hamstring injury during the Bills’ first drive of the second half. The game’s leading receiver for the Bills also leads the team in multiple receiving areas, including yards and touchdowns.
Shakir is second to Kincaid in both areas, meaning Josh Allen and the Bills offense will need to slot receiver to turn things up a notch in the second half if they want to cut the 16-0 deficit they currently face against Miami.
The Dolphins have struggled mightily during the 2025 season, making their surprising dominance over the Bills, to say the least, all the more shocking. It will be interesting to see whether the Bills can minimize self-inflicted wounds and string together some drives to make this a more competitive game.
As it stands, the Dolphins seem primed to get a win no one was going to expect. While the Bills might be able to withstand the loss, their AFC East foe, the New England Patriots, is beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the results stand, the Patriots would take a full game lead over the Bills in the standings.
