Game Context And Key Information

The Miami Dolphins travel to Orchard Park for a Thursday night clash with the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. The game will be played at Highmark Stadium under clear skies with a light breeze, kicking off at 8:15 PM ET on AMZN.

Buffalo enters at 2-0 under Sean McDermott, while Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins are desperate to avoid a 0-3 start. Recent history favors Buffalo, which has won several straight in this series, including a close 30-27 victory last November.

For more insights and matchup breakdowns across the league, check out NFL Teams.

Dolphins Can Win If…

Miami’s offense showed signs of life in last week’s 33-27 loss to New England. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns, while Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were explosive weapons in the passing game. Against Buffalo, Tagovailoa must protect the ball and deliver chunk plays to keep pace.

The Dolphins’ defense, while struggling early this season, has the personnel to disrupt Buffalo’s attack. Jordyn Brooks and Bradley Chubb can generate pressure, and Miami ranked top-10 last year in opponent scoring defense and interceptions. To pull off the upset, Miami must create turnovers and capitalize on short fields.

For expert breakdowns on how Miami stacks up, explore NFL Picks.

Bills Can Win If…

Buffalo continues to look like a championship contender. Last week’s 30-10 win over the Jets was powered by James Cook, who exploded for 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Josh Allen played efficiently, while the defense suffocated New York, holding them to 54 passing yards.

The Bills’ offensive numbers remain elite. They ranked second in the league last season with 525 points, sixth in first downs (360), and converted 44.1% on third downs. Allen currently leads all quarterbacks in fantasy points, while Cook is emerging as a top-tier back. With home-field advantage and balance on both sides of the ball, Buffalo has the edge to control the matchup.

For game-by-game odds and totals, visit NFL Scores and Odds.

Betting Trends

• Bills vs Dolphins Rivalry: Buffalo has won six straight against Miami and is 12-2 against the Dolphins with Josh Allen at quarterback.
• Against The Spread (ATS): Buffalo is 13-1 ATS in its last 14 games. The Bills have also covered four of the last five when favored by double digits.
• Totals: The under has cashed in three of the last four meetings between these teams. Miami’s defense has typically kept the scoreline lower, but Buffalo’s offense often pushes totals into the high 40s.
• Miami Trends: Dolphins are 1-6 straight up under Mike McDaniel against the Bills. They’ve also failed to cover in four of their last five road divisional games.
• Buffalo Trends: Bills have scored 30+ points in five of their last six games at home. They are also 7-1 ATS in their last eight September games.

For broader betting strategy and insights, see the NFL Betting Guide.

Buffalo’s Offensive Firepower

The Bills are currently the most explosive offense in football, leading the league in total yards at 450 per game and ranking second in scoring at 35.5 points per contest. Josh Allen remains the heart of the attack, but this year the offense has added balance. Running back James Cook has been a revelation, sitting fourth in rushing yards with 176 and tied for the league lead in touchdowns. His streak of six straight games with a rushing score puts him on the brink of O.J. Simpson’s franchise record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown.

Buffalo’s ability to pivot between a power run game and deep passing attack makes them unpredictable and difficult to defend. Against Miami’s shaky defense, Allen will have no shortage of options. Bettors looking for insights on Buffalo’s evolving attack can review expert breakdowns at NFL Picks.

Miami’s Uphill Climb

Miami’s defense has been porous, allowing 375.5 yards and 33 points per game. That’s a dangerous matchup against the NFL’s top offense. Their pass rush has been inconsistent, and a banged-up secondary makes them vulnerable to Allen’s big-play ability.

Offensively, the Dolphins have shown flashes. Tua Tagovailoa completed 26 of 32 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns against New England, keeping the offense afloat. Playmakers like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane are capable of breaking games wide open. However, turnovers have been costly — Tagovailoa’s late interception last week sealed the loss.

For bettors evaluating whether Miami can rebound or if the Bills will extend dominance, the best place to study the line movement is at NFL Scores and Odds.

Injury Report And Depth Concerns

Injuries are shaping both sides. Buffalo could be without key defenders, with DT Ed Oliver (ankle) and LB Matt Milano (pectoral) not practicing early in the week. Depth in the secondary is also limited with Taron Johnson and Cam Lewis banged up.

Miami’s injury report is longer. Waddle (shoulder), Darren Waller (hip), and Jaylen Wright (knee) are all questionable. Center Aaron Brewer is battling a hip issue but is expected to play, while Storm Duck and Ifeatu Melifonwu remain sidelined. A depleted secondary on the road against Josh Allen is a dangerous recipe.

These matchups highlight how important roster depth is when handicapping games. To sharpen betting strategies based on health and depth, visit the NFL Betting Guide.

Betting Angle And Analysis

Buffalo holds every statistical advantage and owns the rivalry. Their offense is balanced and their defense, even banged up, is capable of disrupting Miami’s rhythm. Miami’s best shot is to generate explosive plays through Hill and Waddle while avoiding turnovers. But history, form, and matchup indicators point heavily toward the Bills.

For those eyeing long-term futures like division titles or playoff runs, the updated Super Bowl Odds Predictions provide insight into where Buffalo and Miami stack up against the rest of the league.

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Final Prediction

Buffalo’s offensive balance, Allen’s dominance in this rivalry, and Miami’s defensive inconsistencies point toward another decisive Bills victory. The Dolphins’ passing attack can keep them competitive early, but Buffalo’s depth and efficiency should prove too much by the second half.

Predicted Score: Buffalo Bills 31 – Miami Dolphins 17

• Spread: Bills -11.5 (cover)
• Total: Under 49.5

For futures and playoff outlooks beyond Week 3, check Super Bowl Odds Predictions.