The Buffalo Bills weathered a fourth-quarter surge by the Miami Dolphins to claim a 31-21 victory and remain unbeaten three games into the season. Miami’s critical miscues in the final minutes proved decisive.
Allen Leads a Balanced Attack
Quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, showing poise in key moments. His 15-yard strike to Khalil Shakir with 7:17 remaining broke a 21-21 tie and put Buffalo ahead for good.
Running back James Cook powered the ground game with 108 rushing yards and a touchdown, giving the Bills steady production on a night when every possession mattered.
Dolphins Undone by Costly Errors
Miami, now 0-3 for the first time since 2019, saw its comeback hopes unravel late. A roughing-the-punter penalty in the fourth quarter extended a Buffalo drive that ended with Shakir’s go-ahead score. Moments later, linebacker Terrel Bernard intercepted a pass at the Bills’ 21-yard line, snuffing out another Dolphins chance to pull even.
Closing It Out
Following Bernard’s interception, Buffalo ran down the clock and added a 48-yard field goal to seal the win. The Bills have now taken 13 of the last 14 regular-season meetings with Miami, and Allen improved his career record against the division rival to 14-2.
What’s Next
Buffalo’s victory underscores its status as an early AFC favorite, with Allen and Cook providing a potent one-two punch on offense. Miami, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to correct mental lapses and regain footing before the season slips further away.
