Dolphins End Seven-Game Losing Streak Against Bills with 30–13 Win

AP Photo/Doug Murray

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Tua Tagovailoa had only beaten the Buffalo Bills once in his career before Sunday. For several other Miami Dolphins players, this victory marked their first time defeating the division rivals. The Dolphins (3–7) ended a seven-game losing streak against Buffalo (6–3) with a decisive 30–13 win at home, a result that carried extra meaning for a team struggling to find consistency this season. “Every time you can get a win in the NFL, that's special,” Tagovailoa said. “But given the times we've played Buffalo in the past and have gotten close, and then have gotten blown out, I think this one definitely makes it that much more special that it was against Buffalo. They've had our number for years.”

Tagovailoa completed 15 of 21 passes for 173 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, increasing his league-leading total to twelve on the season. The standout performer, however, was De’Von Achane, who erupted for 225 total yards and two fourth-quarter touchdown runs of 59 and 35 yards. Miami’s defense also turned in its strongest performance of the year, forcing three turnovers and recording three sacks.

“I think it's pretty obvious from the play they didn't believe that their season was over,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “That's difficult to do when everyone's talking to you about the season being over.” Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, but his interception and fumble proved costly. After Achane’s second touchdown gave Miami a 17-point lead with three minutes left, Allen was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky. “They wanted it obviously a little bit more than us,” Allen said. “I’ve got to be better. We’ve got to be better in the protection game, in the pass game, in the run game, all of it. Anytime you turn it over three times ... that’s a recipe for disaster.” Buffalo trailed 16–0 entering the fourth quarter before Allen connected with Keon Coleman on a 35-yard touchdown to cap a 98-yard drive. However, the Bills failed to convert the two-point attempt after Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled Khalil Shakir just short of the goal line. The Bills’ high-powered offense failed to record a first down until the third quarter, when Allen extended a play and found Curtis Samuel for a 21-yard gain on third-and-16. But a red-zone interception by Miami safety Ifeatu Melifonwu ended that promising drive. “He’s the MVP for a reason,” said Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb. “We know he’s going to make the plays. It’s just about how we respond to it. Not getting too down on ourselves. Like I said, he’s an MVP-caliber player. It’s just about responding, and I feel like we did that.”

Tagovailoa’s only major mistake of the first half came on the opening drive, when he threw an interception to Cole Bishop while targeting Jaylen Waddle in double coverage. Miami rebounded quickly, outgaining Buffalo 221–90 in the first half. Tagovailoa then completed nine straight passes, leading two touchdown drives capped by a 9-yard catch by Malik Washington and a 38-yard score from Waddle, giving the Dolphins their largest lead over Buffalo since 2016. Miami’s defense continued to set the tone. After Benito Jones jumped offsides on fourth-and-1, Bills running back James Cook fumbled, with cornerback Jack Jones forcing it and JuJu Brents recovering. A 46-yard field goal by Riley Patterson pushed the Dolphins’ lead to 16–0 at halftime — Buffalo’s largest first-half deficit since Week 4 of the 2024 season.

Injuries

• Bills: Rookie DE Landon Jackson (knee) exited in the first quarter and did not return. TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) left in the third quarter.

• Dolphins: CB Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle), S Ashtyn Davis (quad), and LB Chop Robinson (concussion) were inactive.

Up Next

• Bills: Host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.

• Dolphins: Face Washington in Madrid, Spain, next Sunday.