The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL, rooted in decades of intense competition, dramatic moments, and passionate fan bases. As two cornerstone teams of the AFC East, their matchups consistently draw significant attention, with fans eagerly anticipating each clash. In the 2025 NFL season, this rivalry is poised to deliver more unforgettable moments, fueled by recent performances, star players, and high stakes. This article dives deep into the Bills vs.
Dolphins rivalry, exploring its history, the latest updates for 2025, key players, fan sentiments on platforms like YouTube, and what people are asking about this matchup on Google. Drawing from the most current information available, we’ll provide a comprehensive look at why this rivalry continues to captivate NFL audiences.
A Brief History of the Bills-Dolphins Rivalry
The Bills-Dolphins rivalry began in 1966 when the Miami Dolphins joined the American Football League (AFL), where the Buffalo Bills were already established. The two teams faced off early in Miami’s inaugural season, setting the stage for a rivalry that would grow fiercer with time. Over the years, they’ve played 121 games, with the Dolphins holding a slight edge at 62 wins to the Bills’ 58, and one tie. This competitive balance has kept fans on edge, as neither team has consistently dominated the series.
The 1990s: A Golden Era of Competition
The rivalry reached its peak in the 1990s, largely due to the quarterback duel between Buffalo’s Jim Kelly and Miami’s Dan Marino. Both Hall of Famers led their teams to multiple playoff appearances, with memorable games that defined the era. The Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances (1990–1993) and the Dolphins’ perennial playoff contention made their matchups must-watch events. A notable game from this period was the 1992 AFC Championship, where the Bills defeated the Dolphins 29-10 en route to Super Bowl XXVII.
Modern Era: Josh Allen vs. Tua Tagovailoa
In recent years, the rivalry has been reinvigorated by the emergence of quarterbacks Josh Allen (Bills) and Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins). The Bills have dominated the head-to-head matchups since 2018, winning 11 of the last 12 games, including a 2023 playoff victory. However, the Dolphins’ lone win in this stretch, a 21-19 thriller in 2022 proved they can still challenge Buffalo when the stars align. The contrast between Allen’s dual-threat style and Tagovailoa’s precision passing in Mike McDaniel’s explosive offense keeps this rivalry dynamic.
2025 NFL Schedule and Bills-Dolphins Matchups
The 2025 NFL schedule, released on May 14, 2025, has set the stage for two highly anticipated Bills-Dolphins games. As divisional rivals, the teams faced each other twice during the regular season, once at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, and once at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Here are the confirmed details for their 2025 matchups, based on the latest reports:
Week 3: Thursday Night Football (September 18, 2025) The Bills travel to Miami to face the Dolphins in a primetime game at Hard Rock Stadium. This game, rumored to be a Thursday Night Football showcase, will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, marking a significant moment in the NFL’s streaming partnership. The early-season clash could set the tone for the AFC East race.
Week 10: November 9, 2025 The Dolphins visit Buffalo for a rematch at Highmark Stadium, with a reported 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. This game is expected to be pivotal, as both teams will likely be jockeying for playoff positioning by mid-November.
These games are part of the Bills’ nine home and eight away games, with a schedule ranked as the fifth easiest in the NFL. The Dolphins, meanwhile, face a unique challenge with an international game in Madrid against the Washington Commanders on November 16, 2025, which could impact their preparation for the Week 10 matchup.
Recent Performance Context
In 2024, the Bills finished with a 13-4 record, securing their fifth consecutive AFC East title but falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. The Dolphins, with an 8-9 record, missed the playoffs but showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their high-powered offense led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Bills swept the Dolphins in 2024, winning 30-27 in Week 9 and 21-14 in Week 18, with Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber play and clutch performances from players like Tyler Bass proving decisive.
For 2025, both teams are expected to be playoff contenders. Analysts like Cynthia Frelund project the Bills to win around 12-5 games, leveraging their improved defense and Allen’s versatility. The Dolphins, with an over/under win total of approximately 9.5, are seen as a wildcard contender, with their success hinging on Tagovailoa’s health and defensive improvements under new coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen (Quarterback): Allen is the heart of the Bills’ offense, known for his rocket arm and scrambling ability. In 2024, he threw for over 4,000 yards and added significant rushing touchdowns, earning MVP consideration. Against the Dolphins, Allen has historically excelled, averaging over 350 passing yards in recent matchups with a 12-2 TD-INT ratio.
Dalton Kincaid (Tight End): Kincaid emerged as a reliable target in 2024, surpassing expectations with over 700 receiving yards. His chemistry with Allen was evident in the Dolphins games, where he made crucial catches.
Ed Oliver (Defensive Tackle): Oliver’s disruptive presence on the defensive line was critical in 2024, with multiple standout plays against Miami. His ability to pressure Tagovailoa will be key in 2025.
Tyler Bass (Kicker): Bass sealed the Week 9 victory over Miami in 2024 with a game-winning field goal, earning praise for his clutch performance.
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback): Tagovailoa’s efficiency in Miami’s quick-strike offense makes him a dangerous opponent. Despite a concussion scare in 2024, he threw for over 3,500 yards and remains one of the league’s most accurate passers.
Tyreek Hill (Wide Receiver): Hill’s speed and playmaking ability stretch defenses thin. In 2024, he had a dramatic 80-yard touchdown against Jacksonville and will look to exploit Buffalo’s secondary, which struggled early last season.
De’Von Achane (Running Back): Achane’s versatility as a runner and receiver adds another dimension to Miami’s offense. His 76 receiving yards in Week 1 of 2024 highlight his potential to challenge Buffalo’s linebackers.
Jevon Holland (Safety): Holland’s playmaking in the secondary, including a forced fumble against Jacksonville, makes him a critical piece of Miami’s defense. His matchup against Allen’s deep passes will be one to watch.
Fan Sentiment and YouTube Buzz
YouTube is a hub for Bills and Dolphins fans, with channels like ESPN, NFL Network, and team-specific creators like Buffalo Rumblings and The Phinsider posting highlights, analysis, and reaction videos. Recent searches show fans are particularly interested in:
Game Highlights: Clips from the 2024 Bills-Dolphins games, especially the Week 9 thriller (30-27) and Week 18 clincher (21-14), have garnered millions of views. Fans rewatch moments like Allen’s clutch throws, Bass’s game-winner, and Hill’s long touchdown.
Player Breakdowns: Videos analyzing Josh Allen’s dominance against Miami and Tyreek Hill’s impact are trending. For example, a video by @ckparrot on X (cross-posted to YouTube) dissected Buffalo’s explosive plays against Miami’s defense in 2024, highlighting coverage breakdowns.
Rivalry History: YouTube documentaries and fan-made montages covering the Kelly-Marino era and recent Bills dominance are popular, especially among younger fans discovering the rivalry’s roots.
2025 Schedule Reactions: With the 2025 schedule release, creators like Field Yates and local Buffalo outlets (e.g., WHAM-13) have posted reaction videos to the Week 3 Thursday Night Football matchup, fueling excitement for the primetime showdown.
Head-to-Head Stats (Recent Games)
2024 Week 9 (Bills 30-27): Buffalo outgained Miami 497-212, with Allen throwing for over 400 yards. Tyreek Hill was limited to 33 yards, but Achane’s receiving kept Miami in the game.
2024 Week 18 (Bills 21-14): Allen struggled early but rallied, while Cook’s three touchdowns powered Buffalo. Miami’s defense faltered late, allowing a game-winning drive.
Third-Down Efficiency: In 2024, the Bills converted 67% of third downs against Miami, compared to the Dolphins’ 38%.
Turnovers: Buffalo’s defense forced key turnovers in both games, including a Holland punch out for Miami that wasn’t enough to secure victory.
2025 Predictions
Week 3: The primetime atmosphere in Miami favors the Dolphins, but Buffalo’s road resilience (6-2 away in 2024) and Allen’s track record against Tagovailoa give them a 60% chance of winning. Predicted score: Bills 27, Dolphins 24.
Week 10: At home, the Bills are nearly unbeatable (7-2 at Highmark Stadium in 2024). Miami’s potential fatigue from the Madrid trip could hinder them. Predicted score: Bills 31, Dolphins 20.
Season Impact: A Bills sweep could lock up the AFC East early, while a Dolphins split keeps them in the wildcard race. If Miami pulls off an upset in Week 3, it could shift the division’s momentum.
Why This Rivalry Matters in 2025
The Bills-Dolphins rivalry is more than just a divisional matchup; it’s a clash of contrasting styles, passionate fan bases, and high-stakes playoff implications. For Buffalo, 2025 is about sustaining their AFC East dominance and finally breaking through to the Super Bowl, a goal they’ve changed since their 1990s dynasty. For Miami, it’s about reclaiming relevance, proving they can compete with the AFC’s elite, and ending Buffalo’s stranglehold on the series.
The primetime Week 3 game, in particular, is a marquee event, with Amazon Prime Video’s broadcast amplifying its reach. The NFL’s decision to spotlight this matchup reflects its commercial and competitive appeal. Additionally, the personal narratives—Allen’s MVP quest, Tagovailoa’s redemption arc, and Poyer’s return to Buffalo—add layers of drama.
FAQs
When and where are the Bills vs. Dolphins games in 2025?
As mentioned, the teams will face off in Week 3 (September 18) in Miami on Thursday Night Football and in Week 10 (November 9) in Buffalo. The Week 3 game is confirmed for primetime on Amazon Prime Video, while the Week 10 game is slated for a 1:00 p.m. ET start, likely on CBS. Fans can purchase tickets through platforms like Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster, or the NFL Ticket Network once they go on sale this summer.
Who is favored to win in 2025?
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Bills as the favorites to win the AFC East, with an over/under win total of 11.5. The Dolphins are second or third in the division odds, behind the Bills and sometimes the Patriots. In head-to-head matchups, Buffalo’s recent dominance (11-1 since 2018) makes them the likely favorites, but Miami’s home-field advantage in September and offensive firepower could make the games competitive. Analysts like Cynthia Frelund give the Bills a slight edge due to their balanced roster.
How can fans watch the games?
The Week 3 game will stream on Amazon Prime Video, with the NFL offering mobile access. The Week 10 game is expected to air on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount and NFL. International fans can watch via NFL Game Pass on DAZN. For highlights and post-game analysis, YouTube channels like NFL, ESPN, and team-specific pages will provide extensive coverage.
Are there any notable injuries or roster changes?
As of May 2025, no major injuries have been reported for key players, but training camp and preseason will provide clearer updates. The Bills lost safety Jordan Poyer to the Dolphins in 2024, adding intrigue to the matchup, as Poyer now faces his former team. Miami failed to sign veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas, which could impact their secondary. The Bills’ 2025 draft class, including potential picks like CB Darien Porter or DT Tyleik Williams, could strengthen their defense.
In Summary
The Bills vs Dolphins rivalry is one of the most exciting and enduring matchups in the NFL. With deep roots going back to the AFL days, this AFC East clash is fueled by passionate fanbases, star-studded rosters, and high-stakes playoff implications. Whether it’s Josh Allen’s explosive playmaking or the Dolphins’ high-speed offense led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, every game delivers drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments.
As both teams continue to evolve and push for dominance in the AFC, this rivalry is only getting better. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, Bills vs Dolphins is a game you don’t want to miss. Stay tuned, because the next chapter in this storied rivalry is just around the corner and it’s bound to be electric.
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