Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes

After a humbling Week 2 loss to the Jaguars, the Miami Dolphins are staring down a make-or-break divisional matchup against the Buffalo Bills— a team that has dominated the AFC East in recent years and enters Week 3 with a 2-0 record. For the Dolphins, this game isn’t just about getting back to .500; it’s about proving they can compete with the AFC’s elite, reclaim control of their division, and silence doubts that their Week 1 win was a fluke. From fixing offensive inconsistencies to shoring up a run defense that was exposed in Jacksonville, every part of the Dolphins’ preparation this week has been aimed at bouncing back in a big way. Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes breaks down the critical storylines heading into Sunday’s game, including can’t-miss player matchups, injury updates, and how the Dolphins plan to outscheme a Bills team that has their number.

The biggest challenge for the Dolphins this week will be navigating the Bills’ vaunted defense— a unit that ranks 4th in the NFL in total defense (268 yards per game) and has already recorded 7 sacks and 4 interceptions through two weeks. Led by defensive end Von Miller and cornerback Tre’Davious White, the Bills excel at shutting down explosive offenses like Miami’s: they held the Jets to just 16 points in Week 1 and limited the Raiders to 10 points in Week 2, with their pass rush forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions. For Tua Tagovailoa, this means facing constant pressure— something he struggled with in Week 2, when he was sacked twice and hurried 5 times. The Dolphins’ offensive line, which had a solid Week 1 but faltered in Jacksonville, will need to step up: left tackle Terron Armstead and newly signed guard Kevin Zeitler will be tasked with blocking Miller and Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver, two of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders. “The Bills’ defense is as good as it gets— they don’t give you easy looks, and they force you to earn every yard,” offensive coordinator Frank Smith said during a Wednesday press conference. Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes highlights this defensive challenge because the Bills have historically dominated the Dolphins in this matchup (Buffalo has won 4 of the last 5 meetings), and Miami can’t afford another slow start on offense.

On the offensive side, the Dolphins are focusing on fixing their third-down struggles and balancing their attack— two issues that plagued them in Week 2. After converting just 3 of 11 third-down attempts against the Jaguars, the Dolphins have spent extra time in practice working on short-yardage plays, including quick slants to Jaylen Waddle and check-downs to running back Raheem Mostert. Tagovailoa, who threw his first interception of the season last week, has emphasized the need to be more patient: “Third down is about making smart decisions, not forcing plays,” he said. The Dolphins also plan to lean more on their running game, which was held to 85 yards in Week 2. Mostert, who rushed for 72 yards in Week 1, will share carries with De’Von Achane— the Bills’ run defense ranks 12th in the NFL (98 yards per game), but they’ve struggled to stop speedsters like Achane, who can hit the edge and turn short gains into big plays. By balancing the run and pass, the Dolphins hope to keep the Bills’ defense off-balance and reduce the pressure on Tagovailoa. Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes explores this offensive adjustment because it’s critical for the Dolphins to show they can adapt— if they rely too heavily on Tyreek Hill and Waddle, the Bills will double-team them and shut down the passing game.

Defensively, the Dolphins are tasked with stopping the Bills’ high-powered offense, which revolves around quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Allen, who has thrown for 528 yards and 4 touchdowns in two weeks, is a dual threat— he’s rushed for 89 yards and a touchdown, and he’s known for extending plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. The Dolphins’ run defense, which allowed Travis Etienne to rush for 112 yards in Week 2, will need to tighten up: defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will be responsible for containing Allen in the run game, while edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will focus on pressuring him in the passing game. Diggs, who has 14 catches for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns this season, will likely be covered by Xavien Howard— a matchup that could decide the game. Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler, has held Diggs to just 4 catches for 38 yards in their last meeting. “Josh and Stefon are a dynamic duo, but we have the talent to stop them— we just need to execute,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes emphasizes this defensive focus because Allen and Diggs have torched the Dolphins in the past— if Miami can limit their production, they’ll have a real chance to win.

Special teams will once again play a pivotal role, with the Dolphins looking to avoid the miscues that cost them in Week 2 and exploit the Bills’ special teams weaknesses. The Bills rank 23rd in punt return average (6.1 yards) and 28th in kickoff return average (18.3 yards), and the Dolphins plan to use Jaylen Waddle’s speed to create big plays in the return game. Waddle, who averaged 12 yards per punt return in Week 2, is one of the league’s most dangerous returners— he’s just one big play away from changing the momentum of the game. Kicker Jason Sanders, who made both of his field goal attempts in Week 2, will also be a key factor: the Bills’ kicker Tyler Bass has already missed one field goal this season, and Sanders’ accuracy could be the difference in a close game. Punter Jake Bailey, who had a costly short punt in Week 2, has spent extra time in practice working on his deep kicks, with the goal of pinning the Bills inside their 20-yard line and limiting their field position. “Special teams can win or lose this game— we learned that last week, and we’re not going to make the same mistakes,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said. Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes highlights this special teams focus because the Bills have won several close games in recent years thanks to their special teams, and the Dolphins need to match that intensity.

Finally, the Dolphins are leaning into a mental reset to bounce back from Week 2— a challenge that head coach Mike McDaniel has made a top priority. McDaniel has changed the team’s practice routine this week, adding more competitive drills and reducing film sessions to keep players focused and energized. He’s also brought in former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino to speak to the team about handling adversity and winning big games. “Losing is part of the NFL, but how you respond defines who you are,” McDaniel said. “We’re not going to dwell on Week 2— we’re going to use it as fuel to beat the Bills.” The players have embraced this mindset: veterans like Hill and Wilkins have led extra workouts after practice, and the team’s energy in meetings has been higher than it was before Week 1. Miami Dolphins 2024 Week 3 Preview: Bills Matchup, Bounce-Back Focus, and Divisional Title Stakes concludes with this mental reset because it’s the X-factor in this game— the Bills are a talented team, but the Dolphins have the skill to beat them if they’re mentally sharp. With divisional title stakes on the line, Sunday’s game is more than just a bounce-back opportunity; it’s a chance for the Dolphins to prove they’re ready to take over the AFC East and compete for a Super Bowl. As they head to Buffalo, all signs point to a team that’s hungry to win— and eager to put Week 2 behind them.