The Buffalo Bills are set to challenge the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Florida, as they aim to keep pace with the division-leading New England Patriots in the AFC East standings. Currently holding a record of 6-2, the Bills recently triumphed over the Dolphins with a score of 31-21 in a Thursday night matchup on September 18. They are now just half a game behind the Patriots, who sit at 7-2.
Buffalo seeks to extend their dominance over Miami, having won seven consecutive games against their rivals, including one playoff encounter. The Bills have been particularly successful against the Dolphins, winning 16 of their last 18 meetings dating back to 2017. After experiencing a brief two-game losing streak, the Bills have bounced back with two consecutive victories, the latest being a win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
On the other hand, the Dolphins, currently struggling with a 2-7 record, suffered a heavy defeat against the Baltimore Ravens on October 30. This loss was followed by significant organizational changes, as the team decided to fire longtime general manager Chris Grier and appointed Champ Kelly as the interim general manager. Under Kelly”s leadership, the Dolphins executed their only trade before the league”s deadline, sending outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2026. There were rumors of further trades, particularly involving wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and edge rusher Bradley Chubb, but no additional deals were made.
Compounding Miami”s challenges, their defense could be further weakened against the Bills, as edge rusher Chop Robinson has yet to pass through the concussion protocol. Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed concern regarding Robinson”s recovery, stating, “I”m worried about him getting back to full steam ahead. What does that mean for timelines? Your guess is as good as mine.”
Without Phillips and potentially Robinson, the Dolphins may face significant challenges against Josh Allen, the Bills” quarterback, who has historically excelled against Miami. Allen boasts a remarkable 13-2 record as a starter against the Dolphins, accumulating 3,950 passing yards and 40 touchdowns—both of which are career highs against any single opponent. He has also thrown eight interceptions against Miami, maintaining a stellar passer rating of 110.3.
However, the Bills may also be missing a crucial player, as running back James Cook did not practice on Wednesday due to ankle and foot injuries sustained during last week”s game against the Chiefs. Cook, who ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards this season, is critical to Buffalo”s offensive strategy. Coach Sean McDermott noted Cook”s condition, saying, “(It) came up during the game. Just sore in the last couple of days.” If Cook is unable to play, Ray Davis is expected to take over the majority of the carries.
The Bills” offensive performance was bolstered last week by tight end Dalton Kincaid, who recorded six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown in his second game back from an injury. Additionally, several key players did not practice on Wednesday, including defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, defensive end Joey Bosa, cornerback Taron Johnson, receiver Josh Palmer, linebacker Shaq Thompson, and defensive end A.J. Epenesa. Meanwhile, cornerback Christian Benford and linebacker Terrel Bernard were limited in practice.
In response to their personnel needs, the Bills signed defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis from the practice squad, while the Dolphins signed linebacker Andre Carter II from the Detroit Lions” practice squad. The Dolphins also reported multiple players, including cornerback Rasul Douglas and wide receiver Dee Eskridge, did not practice on Wednesday.
