The Buffalo Bills are preparing for a divisional matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10, entering the game with a 6-2 record. The team has won its last seven games against Miami, including playoff contests. Their most recent loss to the Dolphins was in Week 3 of the 2022 season.
Quarterback Josh Allen has had notable success against Miami, winning 14 out of his 16 career matchups and averaging three total touchdowns per game. In their previous seven wins over the Dolphins, Buffalo’s offense scored at least 30 points in six games. The defense has also played a role, forcing at least one turnover in each of the last six meetings.
Buffalo’s passing game showed improvement in Week 9 during their win over Kansas City. Allen set a franchise record for completion percentage at 88.5% (minimum 15 attempts) and threw for 273 yards, connecting with ten different receivers. Tight end Dalton Kincaid led with six catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady commented on Allen’s performance: “I thought he just honed in on some of his details, his techniques, his mechanics as we were kind of rolling and saw the ball go in the rim early in the first drive,” Brady said. “And after that, you knew he was in full control and no matter what I called, he was going to find a way to make it work.”
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky highlighted Kincaid’s impact: “You see how important Kincaid is. He just is,” Orlovsky told One Bills Live. “He’s a matchup absolute nightmare. When he’s on the field I don’t know how defenses truly want to play him. I truly believe he’s the starting point (in the) pass game for them.
“If you go back to some of the plays (against Kansas City), he’s by himself. The Bills are using Kincaid like the Chiefs have used Kelce for a decade.”
Head coach Sean McDermott attributed their offensive success to preparation: “It starts with the staff, the offensive staff putting together, led by Joe, a really good plan, players understanding it,” McDermott said. “Josh looked very in control of knowing what he was seeing out there. And you combine that with our ability to run the football, and all of a sudden it gets really hard to defend.”
Miami enters this game struggling with only two wins so far this season—matching their worst start since 2021—and coming off a loss to Baltimore where they managed just six points. Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized focus: “I think it’s very tough to sit on a loss over a 10-day period, but it also gives you opportunity to dictate the terms of how your next game is going to go,” McDaniel said. “I think the focus and attention to detail has to be turned up…”
Orlovsky noted Miami’s struggles defensively: “You got to handle Waddle, and you got to handle Achane…Defensively, this is a team who’s struggled mightily over the last two months…This is a game that Buffalo should dominate.”
In organizational news from Miami, general manager Chris Grier departed following last week’s defeat by Baltimore; Champ Kelly will serve as interim GM while ownership searches for Grier’s replacement.
Owner Stephen M. Ross stated: “As I assessed the state of the team and in my discussions with Chris, it became clear to both of us that change could not wait…Champ Kelly will serve as interim general manager effective immediately…”
On personnel matters for Buffalo, defensive end Michael Hoecht suffered an Achilles injury and will miss the rest of this season after being placed on Injured Reserve.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich commented on Hoecht’s absence: “We’ll have guys that will step up,” Babich explained…”It’s part of our job to figure out their skill set…But this is the National Football League…”
Babich mentioned Javon Solomon may see more playing time due to Hoecht’s injury: “I think he’s just more comfortable…his confidence just continues to build…”
Despite injuries along their defensive line—including Ed Oliver—Babich remains confident: “The level of confidence in the players and coaches is high…We’ll try to put together best lineup and packages that we can…”
