The Miami Dolphins travel to Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium. The Bills (2-0) are heavy favorites, hosting a winless Dolphins squad (0-2) eager to avoid an 0-3 start to the year.
Team Records and Recent Trends
Buffalo enters Week 3 riding strong momentum after a dramatic comeback in Week 1 and a decisive win over the Jets in Week 2. Josh Allen and the Bills offense have already posted 71 points across their first two contests, demonstrating a balanced attack backed by a defense that shut down New York last week. The Bills have also dominated this AFC East rivalry recently, winning six straight matchups and 13 of the last 14 showdowns with Miami.
Miami, meanwhile, suffered a listless defeat to the Colts to open the season before falling to the Patriots in Week 2. Coach Mike McDaniel’s team is still searching for rhythm on offense and will need a near-perfect outing to upend Buffalo, especially given the short week and road setting.
Key Injury and Practice Reports
Miami Dolphins Injury Report
The Dolphins are navigating significant offensive line issues, with starters James Daniels and Austin Jackson on injured reserve and center Aaron Brewer dealing with a hip problem but likely to play through. On defense, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (groin) is out, while cornerback Ethan Bonner (hamstring) should play and defensive tackle Benito Jones (oblique) was limited.
Wednesday Practice Report
Did Not Practice
CB Storm Duck (ankle) OUT
S Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf) OUT
Limited Participation
DT Benito Jones (oblique) QUESTIONABLE
LB Chop Robinson (knee) QUESTIONABLE
TE Darren Waller (hip) OUT
WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
Full Participation
DL Aaron Brewer (hip)
CB Ethan Bonner (hamstring)
WR Malik Washington (thumb)
RB Jaylen Wright (knee)
Buffalo Bills Injury Report
For the Bills, starting linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle Ed Oliver did not practice and will miss. Several defensive backs, including Taron Johnson (quad), Cam Lewis (shoulder), and Shaq Thompson (hamstring/hand), are listed as limited. However, key contributor Jordan Hancock (shoulder) continues to participate fully, which should help shore up the defense’s depth.
Wednesday Practice Report
Did Not Practice
LB Matt Milano (pectoral) OUT
DT Ed Oliver (ankle) OUT
Limited Participation
CB Taron Johnson (quad) QUESTIONABLE
CB Cam Lewis (shoulder) QUESTIONABLE
LB Shaq Thompson (hamstring/ hand) QUESTIONABLE
Full Participation
DB Jordan Hancock (shoulder)
Impact and Outlook
Buffalo’s explosive offense, led by Allen, is poised to challenge Miami’s undermanned secondary and depleted linebacker corps. The Dolphins’ injuries up front only increase concerns about protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against a Bills defense that thrives on pressure and has a penchant for takeaways.
With the Bills favored by double digits and Miami struggling to build chemistry or regain early-season health, expect Buffalo to extend its divisional dominance barring a dramatic turnaround from the Dolphins. Injury absences, especially across the Miami line and in the secondary, could be the tipping point that cements Buffalo’s advantage in this primetime showdown.
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