Bills vs Dolphins Week 3 Preview: Injuries, Game Info, and Key Storylines

📸 Image Credit: Buffalo Bills

The AFC East heats up in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season with a classic divisional showdown: the Buffalo Bills hosting the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium. Both teams enter the game in very different positions — Buffalo undefeated and Miami still chasing its first win. Beyond the records, this matchup carries weight because of injuries, playoff implications, and the long-standing rivalry between these two franchises.

This preview covers everything you need to know: standings, team form, injuries, weather, storylines, prediction, and how to watch or listen to the game.

AFC East Standings After Week 2

Buffalo is riding momentum with two wins, while Miami desperately needs to avoid slipping to 0–3. Historically, an 0–3 start makes the playoff path extremely difficult.

Game Information

• Matchup: Miami Dolphins (0–2, 0–1 Away) vs Buffalo Bills (2–0, 1–0 Home)
• Date & Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025 — 8:15 PM EST
• Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
• Weather Forecast: Around 20°C, light breeze, favorable conditions for football.
• Attendance: Expected sellout crowd — Highmark remains one of the loudest home environments in the league.

Where to Watch & Listen

Injury Report

Miami Dolphins

• Chop Robinson (LB): Questionable, knee
• Benito Jones (DT): Questionable, oblique
• Ifeatu Melifonwu (S): Out, calf
• Storm Duck (CB): Out, ankle
• Jaylen Waddle (WR): Questionable, shoulder — a critical factor for Miami’s passing attack

Buffalo Bills

• Cam Lewis (CB): Questionable, shoulder
• Taron Johnson (CB): Questionable, quadriceps
• Ed Oliver (DT): Out, ankle
• Matt Milano (LB): Out, pectoral — huge defensive loss
• Shaq Thompson (LB): Questionable, hamstring

Key Storylines

1. Buffalo’s Momentum

The Bills have scored 71 points in two games, showing offensive balance. Josh Allen has been sharp despite nursing a broken nose earlier in the month, while RB James Cook continues to provide a versatile threat.

2. Miami’s Urgency

The Dolphins have managed just 35 points in two games and allowed 66 points against. Their offensive line has struggled, and the absence of Jaylen Waddle could further limit explosive plays. Falling to 0–3 in the AFC East would put them in a steep hole.

3. Defensive Injuries on Both Sides

Buffalo will be without Matt Milano and Ed Oliver, removing key anchors from the front seven. Miami, on the other hand, is banged up in the secondary. Expect both quarterbacks to test deep passes and take advantage of mismatches.

4. Divisional Stakes

In the AFC East, every game matters. Buffalo wants to continue its stronghold at the top of the standings, while Miami’s season could unravel without a quick turnaround.

Players to Watch

• Josh Allen (QB, Bills): Still the heart of Buffalo’s offense, capable of beating defenses with both arm and legs.
• James Cook (RB, Bills): Provides balance to the offense and keeps pressure off Allen.
• Jaylen Waddle (WR, Dolphins): If healthy, his speed could stretch Buffalo’s secondary.
• Raheem Mostert (RB, Dolphins): Needs a strong game to stabilize Miami’s ground attack.

Keys to Victory

For Buffalo Bills:

• Protect Josh Allen from Miami’s pass rush.
• Lean on the run game early to set up play-action.
• Secondary must limit big plays even with injuries.

For Miami Dolphins:

• Force turnovers to shorten the field.
• Keep Buffalo’s offense off balance with defensive pressure.
• Establish rhythm early to avoid chasing the game.

Prediction

The matchup tilts toward Buffalo. With a confident Josh Allen, solid offensive balance, and home-field advantage at one of the league’s toughest venues, the Bills are set up well to maintain their unbeaten run. Miami has talent, but early-season struggles, injuries, and defensive lapses make this an uphill battle.

Predicted Score: Buffalo Bills 31 – Miami Dolphins 20

Buffalo continues its push for early AFC East dominance, while Miami leaves Week 3 searching for answers.