The Buffalo Bills (6-2) roll on in their 2024 regular season journey with a matchup at home against the Miami Dolphins (2-5) at Highmark Stadium.
All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of these two AFC East foes facing off.
In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.
And once the battle arrives, there will be a few particular things to keep in mind to look out for.
With that, are six things to watch for during Sunday’s Bills-Dolphins matchup:
Punishing the division
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It’s only halfway through the 2024 season. The NFL’s AFC East division could be wrapped up in a big way if the Bills beat the Dolphins.
Buffalo is on top of the division at 6-2. If the New York Jets (2-6) lose to the Houston Texans (6-2) on “Thursday Night Football,” that means the Dolphins will remain in second place… at only 2-5. The Bills are so far ahead of everyone else in the AFC East that this win could all but lock it up for Buffalo.
Von’s spot
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Veteran edge rusher Von Miller returned to Bills practice this week in preparation for his first game in a month. Suspended four games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Miller will try to pick up where he left off.
So how will that look? Greg Rousseau has continued to play well, but if a good rotation can be found by the Bills defense, that might look scary to opponents.
A few key injuries
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There are two key names that will be watched on the Bills’ injury report this week: Linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) and wide receiver Amari Cooper (hand).
Bernard is a difference-maker in the middle of the defense. Since being traded to Buffalo, Cooper has either played well himself or allowed others to flourish.
If both can play, that would be a big boost for the Bills.
Cool it with the flags
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Despite the positive play for the Bills, the team has taken way too many penalties. You can only blame the referees so many times. It’s clearly a problem and Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott needs to sort that out.
What does Tua do?
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The Dolphins lost to the Arizona Cardinals last week. Despite the defeat, Miami’s offense looked better with the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
With Tagovailoa back, that heightens the threat level others in the Dolphins’ offense. Namely wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Buffalo has a strong secondary, but will need to bring their best efforts.
Balance or Josh?
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It’s a worthwhile question. Should the Bills keep trying to run their balanced attack on offense against the Dolphins? Or should offensive coordinator Joe Brady lean on quarterback Josh Allen?
While the even-keeled approach has worked best this season, Allen plays better against the Dolphins than anyone. He’s 11-2 in his career against Miami (which could be 12-1 if not for a late drop) and the Bills beat the Dolphins in the postseason, too.
