Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes and Terrel Bernard intercepted Tua Tagovailoa with three minutes left to secure the Buffalo Bills’ 31-21 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.
James Cook had 108 yards rushing and a two-yard TD as the Bills (3-0) continued their dominance of Miami. Buffalo have won seven straight and 14 of the past 15, including playoffs, against their AFC East rival.
Miscues and a lack of discipline continued to hurt the Dolphins (0-3). Their worst start since 2019 will lead to more questions about coach Mike McDaniels’ job security.
The Dolphins, who reached the playoffs in each of McDaniel’s first two seasons, dropped to 8-13 since a wildcard loss to Kansas City in 2023.
Allen finished 22 of 28 for 213 yards and improved his record to 14-2 over Miami, with 43 TD passes in those games. Buffalo have won 10 straight home meetings with the Dolphins in a run spanning Bills coach Sean McDermott’s nine-year career.
Bernard’s interception came with Miami trailing 28-21 and threatening to tie the game. The Dolphins had a first down at the Buffalo 21 when Bernard jumped a pass intended for Jaylen Waddle. It was the game’s only turnover and a critical play for a Bills defense that had struggled to get Miami off the field. The Dolphins converted 10 of 15 third-down opportunities.
Matt Prater sealed the win on Buffalo’s next possession by hitting a 48-yard field goal. He pushed a 39-yard attempt wide left in the second quarter.
Tagovailoa finished 23 of 34 for 146 yards with touchdown passes to Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Ollie Gordon scored on a two-yard run.