The Buffalo Bills extended their unbeaten start with a 31–24 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, leaning on James Cook’s steady ground game and Josh Allen’s efficiency through the air. Buffalo set the tone early with back-to-back touchdown drives and finished the night averaging 6.3 yards per play, more than enough to offset Miami’s late surge.
| Miami | Buffalo | |
| 1st Downs | 19 | 23 |
| 3rd Down | 10-15 | 6-11 |
| Total Yards | 276 | 360 |
| Yards per Play | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Passing | 146 | 203 |
| Rushing | 130 | 157 |
| Penalties | 6-57 | 3-35 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 2-10 |
Allen completed 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to nine different receivers. Cook was the difference-maker, rushing 19 times for 108 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions. Dalton Kincaid chipped in a score and 66 receiving yards, while Khalil Shakir added a fourth-quarter touchdown to put the game out of reach.
Miami showed resilience, particularly before halftime. Tua Tagovailoa led a sharp 71-yard drive capped by a Jaylen Waddle touchdown to keep the Dolphins within striking distance. Tyreek Hill led Miami with five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, while rookie Ollie Gordon flashed physicality between the tackles, and De’Von Achane added 91 scrimmage yards. But despite converting 10 of 15 third downs, Miami averaged just 4.7 yards per play and couldn’t overcome a late interception that sealed their fate.
Three Takeaways
James Cook is the Bills’ Catalyst
Cook’s 100-yard rushing night kept Buffalo balanced and gave Allen the flexibility to operate off play-action.
The AFC Runs Through Buffalo
At 3-0, the Bills are averaging more than 30 points per game and look like the early favorite to control the conference.
Tua’s Struggles Outweigh His Bright Spots
Tagovailoa completed 24 passes but rarely found rhythm beyond short-yardage throws, and his late interception swung the game.