2025-26 NFL Week 3 Preview: Miami vs. Buffalo: Can the winless Dolphins upset the red-hot Bills? September 18, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The Week 3 slate of the 2025-26 NFL season features an AFC East rivalry showdown as the Buffalo Bills host the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, September 18, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. EDT.

Game Environment and Venue

Conditions at Highmark Stadium are expected to be favorable. The National Weather Service in Buffalo forecasts temperatures in the upper 60s at kickoff, dipping into the lower 60s by game's end, under mostly clear skies. Rain chances are minimal, winds should remain calm, and humidity could approach 91%. AccuWeather projects similar conditions, with a comfortable dew point throughout the evening. Weather is not expected to affect the betting line, which currently favors Buffalo by 12.5 points with an over/under set at 49.5.

Miami Dolphins (0-2) - Miami comes in seeking its first win of the season after back-to-back losses, marking its first 0-2 start since 2019. The Dolphins rank 25th in scoring (17.5 PPG) and 24th in total offense (284.5 YPG). They average 215 passing yards (15th) but just 69.5 rushing yards (29th). Their defense has struggled, surrendering points on 13 of 17 possessions.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown for 429 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, completing 72.7% of his passes. De'Von Achane has been a dual threat with 85 rushing yards and 112 receiving yards on 11 catches, while Tyreek Hill (149 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (98 yards, 1 TD) remain dangerous targets. Defensively, Jordyn Brooks (22 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack) and Bradley Chubb (2 sacks) headline the unit, but the Dolphins' consistency remains a concern.

Buffalo Bills (2-0) - Buffalo enters unbeaten after a convincing 30-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 2. The Bills' offense ranks second in points scored (71) and first in total yards (900), averaging 450 yards per game, while committing no turnovers through two weeks. Defensively, they limited the Jets to just 154 yards last week.

Josh Allen has been efficient, completing 66.2% of his passes for 542 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Running back James Cook has added 176 rushing yards at 5.2 yards per carry with three touchdowns. Rookie Keon Coleman leads receivers with 138 yards and a touchdown, while Dalton Kincaid has contributed 85 yards and a score. On defense, Joey Bosa, Ed Oliver, Cole Bishop, and Matt Milano each have a sack, with Milano and Bishop also tied for the team lead with nine tackles. Notably, Buffalo has won the turnover battle in 24 straight games—an NFL record.

MIA vs. BUF Injury Reports

Miami Dolphins

• Out: TE Darren Waller (hip), CB Storm Duck (ankle), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf).
• Questionable: WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder), DT Benito Jones (oblique), LB Chop Robinson (knee).
• Expected Debuts: RB Jaylen Wright, CB Ethan Bonner. Also cleared: C Aaron Brewer, WR Malik Washington.

Buffalo Bills

• Out: DT Ed Oliver (ankle), LB Matt Milano (pectoral).
• Questionable: CB Taron Johnson (quad), LB Shaq Thompson (hamstring/hand), DB Cam Lewis (shoulder).
• Full Participant: Rookie DB Jordan Hancock (shoulder).

Miami vs. Buffalo Sports Bet Odds

The Bills are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Bills are favored by 11.5 points, with a money line of -825.
• The Dolphins are the underdogs by 11.5 points, with a money line of +574.
• The Total is set at 50 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Historical Matchup

Buffalo has dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning six straight and 13 of the last 14, including a playoff victory in 2022-23. The Bills remain unbeaten against Miami at Highmark Stadium under Sean McDermott. The Dolphins still lead the all-time series 62-60-1, but Buffalo has the postseason edge at 4-1. Josh Allen boasts a 12-2 career record versus Miami with 37 total touchdowns, while Tua Tagovailoa is just 1-8 against Buffalo.

Final Thought

Buffalo enters Week 3 with momentum, a balanced attack, and a dominant track record against Miami. With Josh Allen healthy and the Bills' defense firing, the Dolphins' early-season struggles and injury concerns make an upset on a short week highly unlikely. While divisional games can bring surprises, all indicators point to a decisive Bills victory, with a strong chance of covering the spread and the total leaning under if Miami's offensive woes continue.

2025-26 Miami vs. Buffalo Team Stats

MIAMI DOLPHINS	VS	BUFFALO BILLS
T-3rd AFC East (0-2) Away (0-1) | STRK L2	Standings	T-1st AFC East (2-0) Home (1-0) | STRK W2
215.0	Passing Yards Per Game	284.0
69.5	Rushing Yards Per Game	166.0
17.5	Points Per Game	35.5
236.5	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	124.0
139.0	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	169.0