Can the Dolphins Upset the Bills on Thursday Night Football?

The Miami Dolphins are off to their worst start since 2020, when they ended the season 10-6. But this season doesn’t appear to be heading in that direction; unless they can pull off a miracle upset against the Buffalo Bills, in Buffalo, a place they haven’t had much success. For many fans this game may signify the beginning of the end, but for the Dolphins’ personnel, this game is a chance to flip the script and turn the tides on an abysmal start to this 2025 season.

So how can they do it?

1. Run the Ball: The Miami Dolphins are averaging the most yards per carry in the NFL this season on the fewest attempts. Buffalo has allowed the second most rushing yards per game at 169 yards and will be without defensive tackle Ed Oliver. For Miami establishing the run does so many things, especially this week, it keeps the ball out of Buffalo’s hands, enables the Dolphins to open up the passing game for their speedy receiving core, and can take some of the pressure of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami gets back some reinforcement in the half back room as Jaylen Wright is good to go, and I expect Miami to run a lot of two back sets today. Go back to the run game roots McDaniel and go win a football game.
2. Win the Turnover Battle: This is a key to victory for every game but especially when you are 12.5-point dogs. The Dolphin’s defense has yet to force a turnover this season, and the Buffalo Bills have won the turnover battle in 24 straight games, the longest such streak in NFL history. For the offense ball security will be key, and for a defense that has mighty struggled, this is a way to gain some confidence and catch a groove not only for tonight but the rest of the season. Zach Sieler and Minkah Fitzpatrick have to show up against Buffalo, and The Dolphins must get off the field. Dolphins Defensive Statistics
3. Eliminate the Pre snap Penalties: On the road, a place you haven’t won, it’s going to be loud as always. Miami has to be clean and get off a smooth operation. McDaniel said that the coaches came together for a fix, but they need to prove it, make it happen and eliminate the costly self-inflicted penalties.
4. Change the Brand, Get Physical: The Dolphins are long known as soft, the Bills are not, the Dolphins are long known not to block well, run well, play well in primetime, beat good teams, everything. Miami has to come ready to play, with a chip on their shoulder and remind the league, and their very own fan base what they are capable of.

Can the Dolphins win? Of course, it’s the NFL, it’s a short week, and it’s an interdivision matchup. The Miami Dolphins have to come into this game and take their media answers seriously, play together, put the past behind and get started fast.

The Dolphins can’t erase a rough start overnight, but they can set the tone for the rest of 2025. Beat Buffalo in their house, and suddenly the conversation changes from a season slipping away to a season worth fighting for.