The NFL season is just two weeks old, but Thursday Night Football already brings us one of the most heated rivalries in the AFC East: the Miami Dolphins traveling north to face the Buffalo Bills. On paper, it’s a matchup of familiar foes, but recent history has been anything but even.
Miami enters this game desperate for answers after a disappointing 0-2 start. The Dolphins have talent across the roster, but it hasn’t shown up where it matters most: execution. Their defense has been picked apart in back-to-back losses to the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots, struggling with blown coverages, missed assignments, and a lack of pressure up front.
Offensively, Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t looked comfortable, and the offensive line hasn’t done him many favors. For a team that had playoff aspirations, it’s been a rocky start.
In contrast, Buffalo appears to be a well-maintained machine. After victories over the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, the Bills are 2-0, and quarterback Josh Allen is once again demonstrating why he is one of the league’s most dangerous players and already proving his MVP season was not a fluke.
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
Game Details
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 8:15 p.m. EST
Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
How to Watch
TV: WKBW, Ch. 7, ABC (Buffalo), CBS Miami
Live Stream: NFL+ and Amazon Prime Video
Radio: WGR 550 (Buffalo), BIG 105.9 FM (Miami)
What To Expect on Thursday Night?
Miami’s biggest challenge is figuring out how to slow down Allen. History doesn’t help their case. Allen has racked up over 4,000 passing yards and 45 total touchdowns in 15 career games against the Dolphins.
On the flip side, Tagovailoa has struggled mightily against Buffalo, holding a 1-8 record with nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns. If the Dolphins are going to turn things around, it starts with their quarterback playing like the franchise leader they need him to be.
Running back De’Von Achane could be Miami’s X-factor. He’s been a nightmare for Buffalo in past meetings, putting up 467 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in just four games. With Miami’s passing game out of sync, expect Achane to get plenty of touches as they try to control the pace and keep Allen off the field.
Some Bills-Dolphins mems. 😏#MIAvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/YipVqLKBQ3
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 17, 2025
The Bills, meanwhile, will stick with what’s been working. Joe Brady’s play-calling has created a balanced attack, giving Allen more options than ever before. The addition of receivers Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer has brought depth to the offense.
At the same time, Cook’s explosiveness in the backfield gives Buffalo a one-two punch that Miami’s defense hasn’t shown it can handle yet.
This rivalry hasn’t been much of a rivalry lately. Buffalo has won six straight over Miami and nine in a row at home at Highmark Stadium. Sean McDermott has never lost to the Dolphins in Orchard Park, and another win Thursday would extend Buffalo’s dominance even further.
With good reason, the Bills are the clear favorite going into Thursday night’s game. In front of their home crowd, they are playing with both sides of the ball clicking. However, we are always surprised by divisional games, and if Miami can finally pull it together, they have enough weapons to keep things interesting.
