MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins don’t usually fare well against Buffalo but perhaps it’ll be different this time. Yes, the Dolphins (2-7) are on a seven-game losing streak against Buffalo, however they’ve played the Bills relatively well in their past two matchups, losing, 31-21, earlier this season and 30-27 in their final matchup last season.
Buffalo (6-2) is 2-2 in its past four games, winning two in a row (Kansas City and Carolina) after losing back-to-back games against Atlanta and New England.
It’ll be interesting to see the mixture of fans in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium. Baltimore fans had a big presence at the Dolphins’ last home game on Oct. 30, while disgruntled Dolphins fans let out sporadic boos.
Buffalo fans usually make a good showing at Hard Rock Stadium and it could be even bigger if frustrated Dolphins fans sold their tickets on the secondary market.
Here are some things to look for in Sunday’s game:
Stopping Allen
This is always job No. 1 against the Bills. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen, who almost always seems to find a way to beat the Dolphins, has a 7-1 record against Miami since 2022. In that span he has 22 touchdowns and six interceptions while absorbing 22 sacks (seven sacks in the 34-31 playoff win). The Dolphins must find a way to contain his running ability and derail his passing skills, neither of which will be easy. Pressure from the edge would help, which seems a bit harder to imagine without edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (traded to Philadelphia).
By the way, Allen was 22 of 28 for 213 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions when the Bills defeated the Dolphins earlier this season. Neither of Allen’s top two targets — tight end Dalton Kincaid (five receptions, 66 yards, one touchdown) and wide receiver Khalil Shakir (four receptions, 45 yards, one touchdown) — did much damage.
Run defense
The Dolphins are 29th in the NFL in run defense at 145.6 yards allowed per game, allowing eight of nine opponents to rush for more than 100 yards. Buffalo running back James Cook (867 yards rushing, No. 2 in NFL) poses a clear and present danger to the Dolphins.
The defensive keys for Miami, according to coaches and players, are playing disciplined football, trusting your teammate and tackling the ball carrier instead of trying to punch the ball out and causing a fumble. Cook rushed for 108 yards on 19 carries when the teams met earlier this season. Buffalo rushed for 157 yards on 27 carries in that game.
Utilizing Achane and Waddle
Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (606 yards rushing, 274 yards receiving, seven touchdowns) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (41 receptions for 586 yards, four touchdowns) have been good offensive playermakers for the Dolphins. They must be integral parts of this game plan.
Achane had 91 yards from scrimmage (12 carries for 62 yards; seven receptions, 29 yards) in their game against Buffalo earlier this year and Waddle had five receptions for 39 yards. Both can make the big play or the routine play, and just as importantly, neither has a turnover this season.
Outcoaching Sean McDermott
Buffalo coach Sean McDermott always seems to make the right moves late in the game against the Dolphins whether it’s calling a running play, a passing play, a blitz or anything else. Mike McDaniel must do the same. Actually, McDaniel must do better than McDermott because McDaniel has inferior personnel.
McDaniel’s best chance of winning on Sunday will be a result of whether the Dolphins did quality work during the practice week. Little things such as playing complementary football, which we saw in the Atlanta game, playing disciplined football, which we also saw in the Atlanta game, and staying relatively penalty free will all be factors. McDaniel must have his team well-prepared or you can pencil in another loss.
Playing with focus
You could understand if the Dolphins came out flat for Sunday’s game considering all the issues recently. There’s been lots of noise among their general manager leaving, rumors about the trade deadline, boos from the dwindling home crowd and questions about their head coach’s future.
The Dolphins almost always play hard but they don’t always seem to have focus, something that seemed to be the case in the opener against Indianapolis and perhaps in the first game against Buffalo that saw a roughing the punter penalty and a late-game interception by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa lead to a loss.
Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — Will Miami keep it close vs. Bills? | VIDEO
