Dolphins Look to Get Back on Track vs Bills

The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins square off in Week 2 in the second consecutive divisional matchup for both teams. Last season, the Bills (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) beat up on the Dolphins (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) in both meetings, winning 31-21 and 37-20 in Week 7 and 11 respectively.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Buffalo opened as a -3 favorite, but that number has risen to -5.5 following the Week 1 results. The total opened at 43 and has fallen to between 41.5 and 42 depending on the book.

Buffalo News & Notes

We saw the entire gamut from Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo’s win over the Jets in Week 1. Allen threw for a career-high 312 passing yards to go along with two passing touchdowns and another on the ground as he led the team in rushing with 57 yards on 15 carries.

Allen also had two horrible fumbles and missed several open throws, including a sure touchdown to receiver John Brown. Luckily for Buffalo, the Jets were not able to capitalize on Allen’s mistakes.

Allen profiles similarly to Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, who had success running the ball against the Dolphins in Week 1. Allen should be able to do the same in Week 2.

The formidable Bills defense should not have trouble slowing a Dolphins offense that struggled mightily in Week 1.

Miami News & Notes

There wasn’t much magic for Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1. Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions on the day as Miami struggled to do much of anything on the ground or through the air, scoring their lone touchdown with just over 10 minutes left in the game. Top receiver DeVante Parker left the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, further adding to the Dolphins’ passing woes.

Parker’s injury was an aggravation of a lingering issue he had leading into the week and his status for Week 2 is certainly up in the air. Look for wideout Preston Williams and tight end Mike Gesicki to be Fitzpatrick’s top options in a game Miami will likely be trailing in.

Betting Pick: Bills -5.5

This line could easily rise as the week goes on. The rebuilding Dolphins may have a bright future but are not in a great spot this week against Buffalo. The turnover-prone Fitzpatrick is capable of the odd out-of-body performance, but we think it is more likely he struggles against a strong defensive team.