Pro Player Stadium – Sunday, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
The old AFC East rivalry renews this Sunday as the Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in what could be an early turning point for both teams. Miami, off to a 4–1 start under head coach Dave Wannstedt, looks to solidify its control of the division, while Buffalo, at 1–3, is desperate to halt its early-season slide and get back on track.
Though their records suggest a mismatch, divisional games between these two are never short on drama — especially when the Bills’ physical defense meets Miami’s balanced, ball-control attack.
Miami Dolphins: Balanced, Confident, and Physical
The Dolphins have been one of the AFC’s most complete teams through five weeks, piling up 1,957 total yards of offense with a nearly even mix of passing (1,484 yards) and rushing (597 yards).
Quarterback Damon Huard has done a steady job steering the offense. He’s completed 94 passes for 1,018 yards and 5 touchdowns, but also thrown 5 interceptions, showing both promise and inexperience. Still, Huard’s poise and short-area accuracy have kept Miami’s offense on schedule.
Veteran receiver Tony Martin has been Huard’s top target, leading the team with 32 receptions for 399 yards and 1 touchdown. Martin’s 101 yards after the catch (3.1 average) highlight his ability to turn simple routes into chain-movers. Meanwhile, O.J. McDuffie has thrived in key moments, adding 22 receptions for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns, often serving as Miami’s most reliable option in the red zone.
On the ground, the Dolphins have leaned on a physical rotation. Fullback Rob Konrad has churned out 192 yards on 40 carries, while J.J. Johnson has added 128 yards and 3 touchdowns on 36 carries, giving Miami a tough, downhill punch near the goal line.
Defensively, Miami has been outstanding, allowing just 1,385 total yards through five games. Zach Thomas continues to anchor the middle, and Derrick Rodgers has been a versatile playmaker on the outside, giving the Dolphins speed and range at linebacker. The pass rush remains active, and the secondary — featuring Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain — has limited opposing quarterbacks all season. Opponents have converted only 57% of red-zone trips into touchdowns, a stat that underscores this defense’s bend-but-don’t-break identity.
Buffalo Bills: Searching for Rhythm
Buffalo’s 1–3 record doesn’t fully reflect the team’s talent, but the offense has yet to find a consistent rhythm. The Bills have moved the ball — 1,884 total yards, including 895 through the air — yet their 46% third-down rate and 50% red-zone efficiency tell the story of missed opportunities.
Quarterback Rob Johnson remains an enigma: capable of big plays but too often under siege. His connection with Eric Moulds and Jay Riemersma continues to be the offense’s bright spot.
Moulds, the dynamic wideout, has 15 receptions for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Riemersma, the reliable tight end, has matched him with 15 catches for 204 yards and 2 scores. The duo has accounted for nearly all of Buffalo’s passing production this year.
The ground game, however, remains stuck in neutral. Antowain Smith and the Bills’ rushing attack have managed just 414 yards (3.7 per carry), putting too much pressure on Johnson and the passing game.
Defensively, Buffalo is still tough and technically sound, allowing 1,153 total yards. Linebacker Sam Cowart has been the heartbeat of the defense, and the secondary, led by Henry Jones and Antoine Winfield, remains a strength. For Buffalo to have a chance, they’ll need to generate turnovers and force Huard into hurried throws.
Matchups to Watch
- Tony Martin vs. Antoine Winfield – Martin’s precision and ability after the catch could test Winfield’s tackling ability all afternoon.
- Eric Moulds vs. Patrick Surtain – Two of the AFC East’s best at their craft. Moulds’ physical style will clash with Surtain’s sharp technique.
- Damon Huard vs. Buffalo’s Pass Rush – Huard’s five interceptions have mostly come under pressure. Buffalo will look to disrupt his timing and force him into mistakes.
X-Factors
- Miami: LB Derrick Rodgers – His versatility in coverage and as a blitzer gives the Dolphins flexibility against both the run and the short passing game.
- Buffalo: TE Jay Riemersma – Johnson’s most trusted target over the middle, he could exploit Miami’s linebackers if protection holds.
Outlook
Miami’s combination of defensive discipline, ball control, and timely passing has made it one of the AFC’s early success stories. Buffalo still has enough veteran presence to make things competitive, but the Bills’ offensive inconsistencies and turnover issues are hard to overlook.
If Huard limits mistakes and the Dolphins continue to dominate the line of scrimmage, they should extend their divisional lead.
📊 Prediction: Dolphins 24, Bills 14
Well, well, well, looks like the Bills came into the wrong stadium on Sunday! We’re not just leading the AFC East – we OWN it. Our Dolphins are playing like champs, and that balanced offense is gonna run circles around that struggling Buffalo defense. Damon Huard’s finding his groove and Tony Martin is out there breaking ankles. And let’s not forget our DEFENSE – Zach Thomas and crew are gonna send Rob Johnson and his “potential” packing. Buffalo, better luck next century. We’re shutting the door on that AFC East lead and throwing away the key. Fins up, folks! 🐬 #DolphinsDominance #BuffaloWho