The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats have one of the NFL’s most electrifying rivalries, with games that never fail to deliver drama, excitement, and standout performances. Whether you’re a lifelong Bills Mafia member or a Dolphins fan soaking up the South Florida sun, diving into the player stats from their matchups offers a thrilling look at what makes this AFC East showdown so special. In this article, we’ll break down the key player performances from their most recent games in the 2024 season, focusing on the stats that shaped the outcomes. We’ll keep it simple, engaging, and easy to understand for fans of all ages, with a table summarizing the stats for quick reference.
A Historic Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Rivalry with High Stakes
The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats have faced off 123 times since 1966, with Miami holding a slight edge in the all-time series (62-60-1, including postseason games). However, the tide has turned in recent years, with Buffalo dominating the rivalry, winning 13 of their last 14 matchups, including a clean sweep in the 2024 regular season. These games are more than just stats—they’re about pride, division titles, and playoff hopes. Let’s dive into the player performances that defined their 2024 encounters, specifically the Week 2 (September 12, 2024) and Week 9 (November 3, 2024) games.
Week 2: Bills Dominate in Miami (31-10)
The first meeting of the 2024 season took place at Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday Night Football, where the Bills delivered a commanding 31-10 victory. This game showcased Buffalo’s balanced attack and relentless defense, while Miami struggled with turnovers and injuries. Here’s a look at the standout performers.
Buffalo Bills: Key Player Stats
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Josh Allen (Quarterback): The Bills’ superstar quarterback didn’t need to light up the stat sheet to control the game. Allen completed 13 of 19 passes for 139 yards, throwing one touchdown and avoiding turnovers. His efficiency and smart decision-making kept Miami’s defense guessing. Allen also added a few key runs, showing why he’s a dual-threat leader. His ability to manage the game was crucial, especially in a hostile road environment.
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James Cook (Running Back): The star of the show, Cook had a breakout performance, scoring three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). His 49-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was a game-changer, highlighting his speed and ability to break tackles. Cook finished with 78 rushing yards on 11 carries and one catch for 17 yards and a touchdown. His versatility made him a nightmare for Miami’s defense.
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Khalil Shakir (Wide Receiver): Leading the Bills’ receivers, Shakir hauled in five catches for 54 yards. His reliable hands and ability to find open spaces were key in sustaining drives, especially on third downs.
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Ja’Marcus Ingram (Defensive Back): The Bills’ defense was the real difference-maker, and Ingram shined with two interceptions, including a pick-six that sealed the game. His ability to read Tua Tagovailoa’s passes disrupted Miami’s rhythm early.
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Christian Benford (Cornerback): Benford added another interception, helping Buffalo’s defense force three turnovers. The Bills also recorded four turnovers on downs, showcasing their dominance in key moments.
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Ed Oliver (Defensive Tackle): Oliver contributed a sack and three solo tackles, putting consistent pressure on Miami’s offensive line. His disruption in the backfield was a big reason for Miami’s struggles.
Miami Dolphins: Key Player Stats
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Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback): It was a tough night for Tua, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 145 yards but threw three interceptions, including Ingram’s pick-six. Tagovailoa also suffered a concussion in the third quarter, forcing him out of the game. His early touchdown pass to De’Von Achane showed promise, but turnovers and pressure from Buffalo’s defense derailed Miami’s offense.
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De’Von Achane (Running Back): Achane was a bright spot for Miami, rushing for 96 yards on 22 carries and adding seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. His 5-yard receiving touchdown in the first quarter kept Miami competitive early, but the Bills’ defense limited his impact in the second half.
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Tyreek Hill (Wide Receiver): Despite leading the NFL with 140 receiving yards entering the game, Hill was held in check by Buffalo’s secondary. He finished with just four catches for 24 yards, a testament to the Bills’ defensive game plan.
Game Summary
The Bills jumped out to a 17-7 lead by halftime, thanks to Cook’s explosive plays and a stout defense that forced turnovers. Miami’s offense struggled after Tagovailoa’s injury, and Buffalo’s relentless pressure led to a lopsided victory. The Bills converted just 3 of 10 third downs (30%), but their big plays and defensive stops were enough to secure the win. Miami’s 5-of-7 third-down conversions (71.4%) showed potential, but turnovers proved costly.
Week 9: A Thrilling Finish in Orchard Park (30-27)
The Week 9 rematch at Highmark Stadium was a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final seconds. Buffalo escaped with a 30-27 victory, thanks to a franchise-record 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass with five seconds left. This game was a showcase of offensive firepower and clutch performances.
Buffalo Bills: Key Player Stats
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Josh Allen (Quarterback): Allen shook off a shaky first half (where he threw an interception) to deliver a stellar second half. He finished 25 of 39 for 235 yards, throwing three touchdown passes: a 1-yard pass to Mack Hollins, a 63-yard catch-and-run to rookie Ray Davis, and a 2-yard touchdown to Quinton Morris. Allen’s ability to stay composed under pressure, especially after Miami tied the game late, was pivotal.
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Ray Davis (Running Back): The rookie made a big impact, catching two passes for 70 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown. His speed and vision added a new dimension to Buffalo’s offense.
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Tyler Bass (Kicker): Facing scrutiny after an inconsistent season, Bass delivered the game-winner with a 61-yard field goal, the longest in Bills history. His clutch performance silenced doubters and capped a wild game.
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Mack Hollins (Wide Receiver): Hollins caught four passes for 40 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown. His reliable hands on short routes helped move the chains in critical moments.
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Quinton Morris (Tight End): Morris’ 2-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter gave Buffalo a late lead, showcasing Allen’s trust in his lesser-known targets.
Miami Dolphins: Key Player Stats
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Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback): Tagovailoa bounced back from his Week 2 struggles, completing 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His 7-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle with 1:38 left tied the game, capping an 11-play, 81-yard drive. Despite the loss, Tagovailoa showed resilience and precision.
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De’Von Achane (Running Back): Achane was electric again, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries while adding eight receptions for 58 yards and another score. His 12-yard run to open Miami’s final scoring drive set the tone for their comeback attempt.
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Jaylen Waddle (Wide Receiver): Waddle stepped up with five catches for 66 yards, including the game-tying touchdown. His chemistry with Tagovailoa kept Miami in the fight.
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Tyreek Hill (Wide Receiver): Hill had a bigger impact than in Week 2, catching four passes for 80 yards, including a 19-yard reception on the final drive. However, Buffalo’s secondary limited his explosiveness.
Game Summary
This game was a tale of two halves. Buffalo settled for field goals on two red-zone trips in the first half, while Allen’s interception kept Miami in the game. The second half saw seven consecutive scoring drives, with both teams trading leads. Miami’s 373 total yards and 26 first downs edged out Buffalo’s 325 yards and 24 first downs, but penalties (like Chop Robinson’s offside and Jordan Poyer’s unnecessary roughness) hurt the Dolphins. Bass’ 61-yard kick sealed Buffalo’s sixth straight win over Miami, improving their record to 7-2 while Miami fell to 2-6.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Matchups
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Buffalo’s Dominance: The Bills’ 13-1 record in their last 14 games against Miami highlights their control of the rivalry. Josh Allen’s 13-2 record against the Dolphins, paired with Sean McDermott’s 14-2 mark, shows Buffalo’s preparation and execution in these games.
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Turnovers Tell the Story: In Week 2, Miami’s three interceptions and four turnovers on downs were backbreakers. In Week 9, both teams had one turnover, but Buffalo capitalized on Miami’s late penalties to set up the game-winning kick.
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Clutch Performers: James Cook (Week 2) and Tyler Bass (Week 9) delivered defining moments for Buffalo, while De’Von Achane’s dual-threat ability kept Miami competitive in both games.
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Defensive Impact: Buffalo’s defense, led by players like Ja’Marcus Ingram, Christian Benford, and Ed Oliver, consistently disrupted Miami’s offense. Miami’s defense, missing key players like Zach Sieler and Jevon Holland in Week 9, struggled to contain Buffalo’s balanced attack.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Comparison Table
|
Player |
Team |
Game |
Passing Yards |
Passing TD |
Rushing Yards |
Rushing TD |
Receiving Yards |
Receiving TD |
Other Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Josh Allen |
Bills |
Week 2 |
139 (13/19) | 1 | – | – | – | – |
0 INT, 107.1 RAT |
|
Josh Allen |
Bills |
Week 9 |
235 (25/39) | 3 | – | – | – | – |
1 INT |
|
James Cook |
Bills |
Week 2 |
– | – |
78 (11 carries) |
2 |
17 (1 catch) |
1 | – |
|
Ray Davis |
Bills |
Week 9 |
– | – | – | – |
70 (2 catches) |
1 | – |
|
Khalil Shakir |
Bills |
Week 2 |
– | – | – | – |
54 (5 catches) |
0 | – |
|
Mack Hollins |
Bills |
Week 9 |
– | – | – | – |
40 (4 catches) |
1 | – |
|
Quinton Morris |
Bills |
Week 9 |
– | – | – | – | – | 1 |
2-yard TD catch |
|
Tyler Bass |
Bills |
Week 9 |
– | – | – | – | – | – |
61-yard FG (game-winner) |
|
Ja’Marcus Ingram |
Bills |
Week 2 |
– | – | – | – | – | – |
2 INT, 1 pick-six |
|
Christian Benford |
Bills |
Week 2 |
– | – | – | – | – | – |
1 INT |
|
Ed Oliver |
Bills |
Week 2 |
– | – | – | – | – | – |
1 sack, 3 solo tackles |
|
Tua Tagovailoa |
Dolphins |
Week 2 |
145 (17/25) | 1 | – | – | – | – |
3 INT, 56.7 RAT |
|
Tua Tagovailoa |
Dolphins |
Week 9 |
231 (25/28) | 2 | – | – | – | – |
0 INT |
|
De’Von Achane |
Dolphins |
Week 2 |
– | – |
96 (22 carries) |
0 |
69 (7 catches) |
1 | – |
|
De’Von Achane |
Dolphins |
Week 9 |
– | – |
63 (12 carries) |
1 |
58 (8 catches) |
1 | – |
|
Tyreek Hill |
Dolphins |
Week 2 |
– | – | – | – |
24 (4 catches) |
0 | – |
|
Tyreek Hill |
Dolphins |
Week 9 |
– | – | – | – |
80 (4 catches) |
0 |
19-yard catch on final drive |
|
Jaylen Waddle |
Dolphins |
Week 9 |
– | – | – | – |
66 (5 catches) |
1 |
Game-tying TD |
Why This Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats rivalry is about more than just stats—it’s about heart, passion, and the battle for AFC East supremacy. For Buffalo, Josh Allen’s leadership and a stout defense have made them a powerhouse, with a 7-2 record after Week 9 and a fifth straight division title in sight. For Miami, players like De’Von Achane and Tua Tagovailoa offer hope, but turnovers and injuries have been their downfall. As one fan on Reddit put it, “This game was wild… Tua leading a drive while likely concussed, Allen missing a throw, the butt punt—it’s always something with these two teams.”
What’s Next for the Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats?
For Buffalo, maintaining their defensive intensity and leveraging Allen’s dual-threat ability will be key as they push for a deep playoff run. Miami needs to protect the ball and get healthy to climb out of their 2-6 hole. The stats tell a story of Buffalo’s recent dominance, but Miami’s explosive offense, led by Achane and Hill, can keep games close if they avoid mistakes. As a young fan or a seasoned supporter, these numbers highlight the players who make this rivalry so thrilling.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats in 2024 were a masterclass in football drama, from James Cook’s three-touchdown explosion to Tyler Bass’ record-breaking kick. Whether you’re cheering for Buffalo’s relentless attack or Miami’s speed-driven offense, the player stats paint a vivid picture of a rivalry that never disappoints. Keep an eye on Josh Allen, De’Von Achane, and the Bills’ defense in future games—they’re the ones who’ll keep this rivalry burning bright.