In Brief

The Buffalo Bills staved off a late Miami Dolphins surge to secure a 31-21 win on Thursday Night Football. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the matchup.

Key Points

  • Buffalo Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-21 on Thursday Night Football.
  • Josh Allen threw for 300+ yards and three touchdowns.
  • Buffalo’s defense and Stefon Diggs’ key plays fueled the win.
  • Miami’s offensive line struggles and late turnovers hurt their comeback.
  • The win strengthens Buffalo’s AFC East push; Miami faces urgent questions.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — September 19, 2025 The Buffalo Bills avoided what could have been a stunning upset on Thursday night, defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-21 in front of a raucous crowd at Highmark Stadium. The victory keeps Buffalo firmly in the AFC East race while raising fresh questions about Miami’s ability to finish games.

Background

Heading into the primetime clash, both teams carried playoff aspirations. The Bills sought to rebound from early-season inconsistency, while the Dolphins, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, aimed to prove they could topple a division rival on the road.

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen once again shouldered the offensive load, throwing for over 300 yards and accounting for three touchdowns. Miami fought back in the second half, cutting a 17-point deficit to just one score, but costly turnovers doomed their comeback bid.

Winners

Josh Allen and the Bills Offense Allen reminded the league why he’s considered among the elite quarterbacks. His ability to extend plays and connect with receivers under pressure proved decisive.

“We knew this was a statement game,” Allen said postgame. “The Dolphins are a tough team, but we trust each other and found a way to close it out.”

Buffalo’s Defensive Front The Bills’ pass rush consistently disrupted Tagovailoa’s timing, forcing hurried throws and limiting Miami’s explosive plays.

Stefon Diggs The star wideout hauled in a critical touchdown in the third quarter, swinging momentum back Buffalo’s way after Miami threatened.

Losers

Miami’s Offensive Line Despite flashes of resilience, the Dolphins’ protection issues resurfaced. Tagovailoa was sacked four times, a factor that stalled several promising drives.

Tua Tagovailoa Tagovailoa showed grit in leading Miami’s second-half rally but committed two turnovers in the fourth quarter, including a costly interception that sealed the Bills’ win.

“I put us in a tough spot,” Tagovailoa admitted. “Against a team like Buffalo, you can’t afford mistakes late.”

Dolphins’ Special Teams A missed field goal in the second quarter loomed large, as it left Miami chasing points in the closing stages.

Looking Ahead

The Bills’ win reinforces their place as the team to beat in the AFC East, though consistency remains their biggest challenge. The Dolphins, meanwhile, must regroup quickly with divisional games looming. Their playoff hopes hinge on better protection for Tagovailoa and sharper execution in crunch time.

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