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The 2025 season is already trending in much different directions for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.
As expected, Josh Allen and the Bills enter Week 3 looking like title contenders again, hoping this is the year they can finally break through in the AFC. Week 1 was a thrilling Buffalo comeback at home against the Baltimore Ravens, while Week 2 saw the squad blow out the New York Jets, 30-10.
Now, the Bills appear to have another upcoming advantage on “Thursday Night Football.” The Dolphins travel to Orchard Park appearing on the verge of an all-out collapse, with questions over head coach Mike McDaniel’s future growing. With season-opening losses to the Colts and Patriot already, Miami needs quick answers to its struggles.
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While Allen (542 passing yards, four total TDs) has been his usual dominant self to open 2025, Tua Tagovailoa (429 passing yards, three TDs, three INTs) isn’t offering Miami as much optimism about his status as a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins’ defense isn’t helping, allowing the second-most total points through Week 2 (66) of any team so far.
But at the same time, Thursday marks a perfect opportunity for Miami to bounce-back against an elite division opponent. As the two AFC East foes go head-to-head on “Thursday Night Football,” the Dolphins may be facing more immediate pressure than the Bills, but things can change fast in the NFL. Can Tagovailoa and company upset Buffalo on the road?
The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights as the Bills host the Dolphins for a Week 3 edition of “Thursday Night Football.” Follow along below for updates.
STREAM: Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ on Amazon Prime Video
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Bills vs. Dolphins live updates, highlights from NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ game
All times ET.
End of first quarter: Dolphins 7, Bills 7
8:49 p.m. — The first quarter comes to an end with the Bills once again moving the ball well. Kincaid had another grab for 12 yards, and Cook is up to 39 rushing yards.
8:42 p.m. — Tagovailoa fumbles the ball on a third down, recovers it then scrambles, but it’s not enough to pick up the first. The Dolphins punt, giving Buffalo a chance to take its first lead.
Dolphins 7, Bills 7
8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — That was a quick answer from Buffalo. In just seven plays, the Bills get 85 yards, most of which came from Cook in the ground game. However, it’s tight end Dalton Kincaid who finishes the drive with a 20-yard scoring pass from Allen.
The Bills knot things back up, finding no trouble against a Dolphins defense that has struggled to begin 2025.
Allen. Kincaid. SIX.
The @BuffaloBills answer right back.
MIAvsBUF on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/O8P2pVhx0j
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2025
8:31 p.m. — James Cook already looks like he’ll be in for another strong game. After a Bills penalty for unnecessary roughness, then a Dolphins pass interference, the running back picks up a combined 33 yards over two carries and a reception.
Dolphins 7, Bills 0
8:25 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Into the end zone goes Ollie Gordon II. With 23 rushing yards on their first drive, Miami takes the early lead on the road, a nice start for their offense when they’ve needed one.
However, the Dolphins’ defense against Josh Allen will remain the bigger concern.
Starting off strong 💪
📺: @NFLonPrime @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/t1zdtfpexN
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 19, 2025
8:22 p.m. — The Dolphins are having a nice first drive. De’Von Achane has 12 yards on his first two carries, plus a 15-yard catch; Tagovailoa has his squad in the red zone to begin the matchup.
8:16 p.m. — Miami begins with the football tonight, as Dee Eskridge gets a solid return on the kickoff. Out comes Tua Tagovailoa.
BIG return to start the game for the @MiamiDolphins!
MIAvsBUF on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cVRx9UoSmK
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2025Pregame
8:06 p.m. — The action will begin in Buffalo soon. Josh Allen owns a 12-2 career record against Miami; will that trend continue?
Josh Allen gettin’ the boys ready 🗣️
MIAvsBUF on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/x1mGtmy30W
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2025
8:04 p.m. — Mike McDaniel’s job is safe for now, Ian Rapoport reports. But it remains to be seen how true that holds over the rest of the season.
Per Ian Rapoport, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross “does not want to fire Mike McDaniel.”
“However, there’s a caveat. If fans suddenly stop showing up to the stadium or if players stop playing for him, that can alter the situation.” pic.twitter.com/4QR5wULbO9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 18, 2025
8:02 p.m. — Keon Coleman looks ready for Thursday Night Football.
Nobody has to tell Keon Coleman to bring the energy on Thursday night. Always a vibe. pic.twitter.com/GzTaTmi1ZT
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 18, 2025
7:51 p.m. — Josh Allen will be wearing a visor tonight due to his nose injury.
Josh Allen visor game incoming.
🎥: @BuffaloBills pic.twitter.com/xNZwoaZAZs
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 18, 2025
7:42 p.m. — Amazon had a “Ryan Fitzpatrick lookalike competition” before tonight’s game. He’s certainly a fan favorite in Buffalo.
.@FitzMagic_14 is a man of the people 🏈 #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/He5Zoex3JU
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 18, 2025
7:06 p.m. — And the inactives for Buffalo:
Tonight’s inactives for #MIAvsBUF @UBMDOrtho | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/6lEMp4RZFH
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 18, 2025
7:05 p.m. — Here are the Dolphins’ inactives for tonight’s game:
Inactives for #MIAvsBUF pic.twitter.com/SEYLcF5yrR
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 18, 2025
6:38 p.m. — Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is officially “good to go” for this game, per Cameron Wolfe. His status was previously up in the air due to a shoulder injury.
6:37 p.m. — Josh Allen wore a hat designed by a patient at Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital before tonight’s game:
Before tonight’s game, Josh Allen wore a @NewEraCap hat designed by a patient at Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital. After each home game, Allen’s hat will be auctioned off to support the Patricia Allen Fund. This week’s hat was designed by MaKenzie; fans can bid on it at… pic.twitter.com/15vyQhp7I5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2025
Josh Allen arriving for work.
MIAvsBUF on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gDBcbTKTI3
— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2025
6:28 p.m. — Tua Tagovailoa arrived to Highmark Stadium in full Dolphins teal and orange.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa arrives with team for big TNF showdown vs. Bills pic.twitter.com/bDLVSpgK4d
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 18, 2025
MORE BILLS-DOLPHINS NEWS:
Where to watch the NFL game tonightBills vs. Dolphins start timeDate: Thursday, September 18Time: 8:15 p.m. ET, 5:15 p.m. PT
The Bills vs. Dolphins matchup will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
What channel is Bills vs. Dolphins on today?
Bills vs. Dolphins in Week 3 will be on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” coverage, with Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit on the call.
Fans located in the Buffalo area can also watch on their local ABC station, while fans in Miami areas can watch the game on their local CBS station.
Bills schedule 2025WeekDateMatchupTime (ET)TV/Result1Sept. 7vs. Ravens8:20 p.m.Bills 41, Ravens 402Sept. 14at Jets1 p.m.Bills 30, Jets 103Sept. 18vs. Dolphins8:15 p.m.Amazon Prime Video4Sept. 28vs. Saints1 p.m.CBS5Oct. 5vs. Patriots8:20 p.m.NBC6Oct. 13at Falcons7:15 p.m.ESPN7BYE———8Oct. 26at Panthers1 p.m.Fox9Nov. 2vs. Chiefs4:25 p.m.CBS10Nov. 9at Dolphins1 p.m.CBS11Nov. 16vs. Buccaneers1 p.m.CBS12Nov. 20at Texans8:15 p.m.Amazon Prime Video13Nov. 30at Steelers4:25 p.m.CBS14Dec. 7vs. Bengals4:25 p.m.Fox15Dec. 14at Patriots1 p.m.CBS16Dec. 21at Browns1 p.m.CBS17Dec. 28vs. Eagles4:25 p.m.Fox18TBDvs. JetsTBDTBDDolphins schedule 2025WeekDateMatchupTime (ET)TV/Result1Sunday, Sept. 7at Colts1 p.m.Colts 33, Dolphins 82Sunday, Sept. 14vs. Patriots1 p.m.Patriots 33, Dolphins 273Thursday, Sept. 18at Bills8:15 p.m.Amazon Prime Video4Monday, Sept. 29vs. Jets7:15 p.m.ESPN5Sunday, Oct. 5at Panthers1 p.m.Fox6Sunday, Oct. 12vs. Chargers1 p.m.CBS7Sunday, Oct. 19at Browns1 p.m.CBS8Sunday, Oct. 26at Falcons1 p.m.CBS9Thursday, Oct. 30vs. Ravens8:15 p.m.Amazon Prime Video10Sunday, Nov. 9vs. Bills1 p.m.CBS11Sunday, Nov. 16vs. Commanders (Spain)9:30 a.m.NFL Network12BYE———13Sunday, Nov. 30vs. Saints1 p.m.Fox14Sunday, Dec. 7at Jets1 p.m.CBS15Monday, Dec. 15at Steelers8:15 p.m.ESPN16Sunday, Dec. 21vs. Bengals8:20 p.m.NBC17Sunday, Dec. 28vs. Buccaneers1 p.m.Fox18TBDat PatriotsTBDTBD