The November 9, 2025 AFC East clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, showcasing two teams built around elite offensive talent and postseason expectations. For the Bills, this game represents an opportunity to reassert control over a rivalry they’ve dominated in recent years, while the Dolphins look to finally flip the script and prove they can match Buffalo’s physicality and execution when it matters most. The Bills enter Week 10 as one of the AFC’s most balanced and battle-tested squads, led by quarterback Josh Allen, whose career success against Miami borders on historic. Allen has made a habit of torching the Dolphins’ defense—combining accuracy, arm strength, and mobility to dismantle coverages while keeping drives alive under pressure. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has leaned on a more controlled, play-action-heavy scheme this season, utilizing running back James Cook’s versatility and screen game efficiency to diversify an attack that once leaned too heavily on Allen’s heroics. The result has been a more stable, efficient unit capable of sustaining drives and wearing down defenses. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains Allen’s go-to target, while rookie Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid have emerged as critical complements in the passing game, especially in the red zone. Against a Miami defense that thrives on speed and aggression, Buffalo will look to exploit mismatches with quick passes, designed rollouts, and pre-snap motion to counter pressure packages. Defensively, the Bills continue to play at a high level despite injuries to key starters. Linebacker Matt Milano’s leadership and edge rusher Greg Rousseau’s consistency have helped maintain stability, while cornerback Rasul Douglas and safety Jordan Poyer anchor a secondary that specializes in disguising coverages and baiting quarterbacks into turnovers.

The key for Buffalo’s defense will be containing Miami’s explosive offense—particularly wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, whose speed can stretch the field and create instant scoring threats. The Bills will prioritize taking away the deep ball and forcing Tua Tagovailoa to sustain long drives, an area where Miami has struggled against disciplined defenses. The Dolphins, meanwhile, come into this matchup seeking redemption after recent setbacks and are desperate to prove they can compete physically with Buffalo’s front seven. Tagovailoa remains the orchestrator of one of the league’s most explosive offenses, ranking among the league leaders in completion percentage, and his chemistry with Hill and Waddle remains elite when protected. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s system thrives on timing, motion, and creating space, but when disrupted—particularly by interior pressure—Miami’s rhythm can collapse. Expect the Dolphins to lean on their run game, utilizing Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane to challenge Buffalo’s linebackers and open up play-action opportunities. Defensively, Miami’s pass rush led by Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips will aim to contain Allen in the pocket, but that task has proven easier said than done over the years. The Dolphins’ secondary, featuring Jalen Ramsey and Jevon Holland, must stay disciplined against a Bills offense that excels in extending plays. This matchup ultimately boils down to execution in critical moments—third downs, red-zone efficiency, and turnover margin. Buffalo’s experience and composure under pressure give them a slight edge, but Miami’s home-field advantage and offensive explosiveness make this game anything but predictable. Expect fireworks from both sides, with Allen and Tagovailoa trading big plays in a chess match that could come down to who controls tempo and limits mistakes in the fourth quarter. In a rivalry built on emotion and momentum, the outcome will likely hinge on which team can strike first—and which one can finish stronger when the clock winds down in South Florida.