Week 2 in the NFL begins with a key early-season AFC East clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. The Dolphins are slight favorites at home against the four-time defending division champions.
Both teams have had hard-fought home wins earlier this season, overcoming 14-point deficits in each. Josh Allen was the best player in the Bills’ 34-28 win over Arizona, totaling four touchdowns. He injured the hand he doesn’t use for throwing on his second TD run in the fourth quarter, but that shouldn’t be a problem. The team could be more cautious and give running back James Cook (19 carries for 71 yards) more runs.
The Dolphins were more successful in the air than on the ground in their 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Miami benefited from several great passing plays, most notably Tyreek Hill’s 80-yard touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may also have to do more work in this game due to his struggling backfield. Raheem Mostert (chest) has already been ruled out and De’Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision.
Two key factors for the Bills’ defense will be to put constant pressure on Tagovailoa and limit the number of yards after the catch. The secondary, which already features several new faces, will be missing nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, who is out with a forearm injury.
Turnovers could also be crucial. Allen had 22 of them in 2023, including three when these teams faced each other in the regular-season finale. Despite those mistakes, the Bills won 21-14 and have won four straight games and 11 of the last 12 against their division rivals. If the Dolphins want to beat the current kings of the AFC East, they need to make them pay for their mistakes and not make too many of their own.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.
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Odds for Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins
How to watch Bills vs. Dolphins
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida.
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET, Thursday
- Streaming: Prime Video
- Try Fubo for free
Expert tips for Bills vs. Dolphins
Read more about NFL Week 2
Playoff predictions: The Athletic’s model predicts the field
Power Rankings Week 2: Chargers, Bucs up; Bengals, Falcons down
Which 0-1 teams should be worried?
(Photo by Tua Tagovailoa: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)
