Bills 30-27 Dolphins (November 3, 2024) Game Recap

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Tyler Bass hit a career-best 61-yard field goal with five seconds left, Josh Allen threw three second-half touchdown passes in a back-and-forth duel with Miami's Tua Tagovailoa and the Buffalo Bills continued their dominance over the Dolphins with a 30-27 win on Sunday.

In a thrilling second half that included seven consecutive shots on goal, the teams exchanged leads four times – four by AFC East leader Buffalo (7-2) and three by division rival Miami (2-6).

Buffalo's final drive stalled at the Miami 43 after a spike and two incompletions, and coach Sean McDermott relied on the inconsistent Bass, who missed an extra point early in the game. Not only did the bass split the uprights, but it was long enough to reach the first row of fans in the end zone. It was the longest field goal in franchise history.

The Bills are 7-2 for the first time since 2020 and are four games ahead of the New York Jets in the AFC East, which they have won the last four seasons. Buffalo has won its season series against Miami and has beaten Miami six times in a row and 13 of 14, including playoffs. The Dolphins have also lost nine straight games against Buffalo, a skid since December 24, 2016.

The Dolphins took great advantage of their playoff chances. They have lost three straight and two since Tagovailoa returned from a concussion that sidelined him four games.

This loss was not due to a lack of production from Tagovailoa, who was 25 of 28 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Allen finished 25 of 39 for 235 yards and an interception to go along with his three touchdowns.

Miami led 10-6 at halftime, and the Dolphins gave the ball away on their first possession of the second half when Taron Johnson knocked the ball out of running back Raheem Mostert's hands and cornerback Kair Elam recovered. The Bills took over at their 36 and Allen connected with Mack Hollins for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth down.

This march by Buffalo was the first of seven long shots on goal. Miami tied the game one final time when Tagovailoa hit Jaylen Waddle for a 7-yard touchdown with 1:38 left.

The Bills' second touchdown drive covered 70 yards but only lasted two plays. Allen threw a short pass to Ray Davis, who evaded flat-footed safety Marcus Maye at the Miami 40 and ran into the end zone for a 63-yard score. A 2-point conversion gave the Bills a 20-13 lead.

Miami tied the score on De'Von Achane's 8-yard touchdown run. Allen led another long drive and when he was attacked, lobbed the ball to assist tight end Quinton Morris for a 2-yard score that put Buffalo back on top.

After Waddle scored the TD, the Bills took over at the 30 and their drive was extended by two consecutive penalties. Chop Robinson was caught offside on third-and-14 play from the Buffalo 26. On the next snap, former Bills safety Jordan Poyer was charged with unnecessary roughness for hitting receiver Keon Coleman helmet-to-helmet on Allen's deep attempt down the left sideline.

The Dolphins lost two straight field goals in the final seconds. Arizona's Chad Ryland hit a 34-yarder as time expired in a 28-27 win last week.

Buffalo bounced back from another slow start, like in wins over Arizona in Week 1 and against the New York Jets and Tennessee last month.

Allen was 12 of 19 for 79 yards and an interception in the first half. Buffalo got inside the Miami 20 three times before halftime, but the Bills scored just six points. Jalen Ramsey beat Allen at the Miami 3 early in the second quarter.

Achane finished the game with 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown and had eight receptions for 58 yards and a score. Tyreek Hill rushed for 80 yards for Miami, his most since Week 1 of a frustrating season.

Khalil Shakir had six catches for 50 yards for the Bills, who had little running game to speak of and relied on Allen to distribute the ball to eight receivers.

Injuries

Dolphins: Miami's defense opened the game without three starters: DT Zach Sieler (eye), S Javon Holland (hand/knee) and DB Kader Kohou (neck).

Bills: WR Amari Cooper (hand) and CB Christian Benford (wrist) did not play.

Next

Dolphins: At the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, November 11th.

Bills: At the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

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