The Bills won 13 of the last 14 matchups against their AFC East rival
The Dolphins are the worst team against the spread in the NFL
The Bills are 2-0 ATS and just covered by 14.5 points
The Miami Dolphins will pay a visit to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 3, and I’ve made my best betting picks for the matchup.
The Dolphins are coming off a home loss to the New England Patriots during which Tua Tagovailoa made two backbreaking mistakes on the team’s final drives. The Bills, much to the opposite, shellacked the Jets on Sunday, 30-10, despite Josh Allen not throwing a touchdown.
Favorites are 18-14 (56.2 percent) against the spread to start the year, but can the Bills continue the positive trend? Here are my best Dolphins vs. Bills picks for Week 3 TNF.
Odds are courtesy of bet365 sportsbook. Use promo code WSN365 during the sign-up at bet365 and get $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager.
Teams | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Miami Dolphins | +600 | +12.0 (-115) | Over 50.0 (-110) |
Buffalo Bills | -900 | -12.0 (-105) | Under 50.0 (-110) |
I’ll take the Dolphins to cover the spread here. It’s impossible to be in love with anything they’ve shown up to this point, but Tagovailoa – as easy as he is to pick on – is much better than he was in the first two games of the season. Miami has speed that can travel and cause problems in upstate New York this early in the season.
Bet $5 at bet365 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets
The Dolphins are supposed to be a team built on speed that can take an intricate offense to a variety of venues and present problems to even the best defenses in football. It’s tough for them to do that when their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has as many touchdowns as he does interceptions (three), and is 31st in QBR with a deplorable mark of 22.3.
Miami is 25th in yards allowed per play and dead last in EPA allowed per play. They’ve been mediocre (said encouragingly) against the run, but they’ve had no answers for opposing offenses looking to attack them through the air.
There seems to be an inevitability factor hanging over the ‘Fins; Mike McDaniel feels like he’s just waiting to lose his job, and the core group of players is waiting to be split up and moved to new homes.
All that said, Miami can play better than it has thus far. Tua was around the 10th-best quarterback when he was on the field last year, De’Von Achane is an unorthodox running back who is difficult to prepare for, and Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle can win outside the numbers.
This will be a test of the Dolphins’ mental resolve more than anything else.
Get $200 in Bonus Bets When Betting $5 at bet365
The Bills scored an improbable victory over the Baltimore Ravens, 41-40, to begin their season at home. They followed that up with a 20-point trouncing of the Jets in Week 2 as they head into a short week.
Of concern is the face of Josh Allen – not because of the inevitable gasp it caused from Hailee Steinfeld, but because the reigning MVP’s nose was bloodied during a clash last week. As a result, he is expected to wear a visor for further protection in this game.
Buffalo’s defense had no answers for the Ravens through the air and on the ground in Week 1. However, that’s the Ravens, who might just have the best offense in the NFL, and one of the best in league history.
That said, Justin Fields’ 1.1 QBR (you read that correctly) can certainly be bested by Tagovailoa, who’s gotten multiple looks at the Bills defense for years. Buffalo will likely land somewhere in the middle of the two performances, although it’s unclear what that might look like.
The Bills have basically split the double-digit line in their wins against the Dolphins over the last couple of seasons. They’re clearly the superior team, and although they are at home, this is a short week against a division rival.
Claim $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365 With a $5 Wager
Miami Dolphins
Storm Duck (CB) - Questionable (ankle)
Jaylen Wright (RB) - Questionable (knee)
Malik Washington (WR) - Questionable (thumb)
Darren Waller (TE) - Questionable (hip)
Jaylen Waddle (WR) - Questionable (shoulder)
Chop Robinson (LB) - Questionable
Ifeatu MElifonwu (S) - Questionable (calf)
Buffalo Bills
Matt Milano (LB) - Questionable (pectoral)
Shaq Thompson (LB) - Questionable
Taron Johnson (CB) - Questionable
Ed Oliver (DT) - Questionable (ankle)
Cam Lewis (CB) - Questionable
All of the best NFL betting sites are offering a variety of deals for new and returning customers to celebrate the start of the 2025 NFL season. That includes opportunities to win prizes such as bonus bets, deposit matches, profit boosts, and much more. See the table below for the latest NFL betting promos.
Sportsbook | Promo | Promo Code | Sign Up Link |
---|---|---|---|
bet365 Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose | WSN365 | Sign Up Here |
BetMGM Sportsbook | Bet $10, Get $150 if You Win* | WSNSPORTS | Sign Up Here |
BetRivers Sportsbook | $500 Bonus Bet | No code needed | Sign Up Here |
Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 20 Bets | WSN20X | Sign Up Here |
Crab Sports | Get up to $500 if Your First Bet Wins | WSNCRAB | Sign Up Here |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins | No code needed | Sign Up Here |
Hard Rock Bet | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win | No code needed | Sign Up Here |
*21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.
When: Thursday, Sept. 18 at 8:15 p.m. ET
Where: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
How to Watch: Prime Video
Dolphins vs. Bills Prop Bets TNF Week 3
Responsible Gambling
If you or someone you know needs support or wants to speak with a professional about responsible gambling, seek out the correct resources. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (US), 877-8-HOPENY (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) to get help. Visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
WSN is an advocate for safe gambling practices. Visit our Responsible Gambling Center for more details.