The Miami Dolphins turned in their most dominant performance of the season Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium, defeating the Buffalo Bills 30–13 behind a relentless defensive effort and a career day from running back De'Von Achane. The win improved Miami to 3–7 on the season.
Achane led the way offensively with 225 total yards — the second-highest total of his career — and two touchdowns, while the Dolphins' defense forced three turnovers and held the Bills to their fewest points of the year.
Miami's defense set the tone early, forcing the Bills to a quick three-and-out on their opening drive. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa built on that momentum by orchestrating a 12-play, 92-yard drive capped off by a 9-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Malik Washington in the back of the end zone. Riley Patterson's extra point made it 7–0 late in the first quarter.
Buffalo struggled to find rhythm against Miami's pressure. Linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Bradley Chubb disrupted the pocket throughout the opening frame, and cornerback Jack Jones made a key third-down stop to help the Dolphins force a turnover on downs.
The Dolphins capitalized on the defensive stand when Tagovailoa connected with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a 38-yard touchdown down the right sideline, pushing the lead to 13–0 early in the second quarter.
On the Bills' second drive of the second quarter, defensive tackle Zach Sieler notched a six-yard sack on Josh Allen, while Jones forced a fumble that cornerback JuJu Brents recovered with 9:13 remaining in half.
Tagovailoa and Achane took advantage of the takeaway, piecing together a balanced 10-play, 67-yard drive highlighted by a 25-yard completion to Waddle and a 13-yard burst from Achane. Patterson converted a 46-yard field goal to extend the lead to 16–0, a lead that held into halftime.
Miami entered the break with a commanding edge in nearly every category, including a 221–90 advantage in total yards, 14 first downs to Buffalo's four, and an 18:55–11:05 edge in time of possession. It also marked the first time a team shut out Buffalo in the first half since the Giants did so in 2023 and the first time for the Dolphins against the Bills since 2007.
The Bills opened the second half with their best drive of the day, marching 68 yards on 14 plays before safety Ifeatu Melifonwu intercepted Allen's end-zone pass intended for tight end Dawson Knox. It was Melifonwu's first interception of the season. The takeaway preserved Miami's shutout and shifted momentum firmly back toward the home sideline.
After the Dolphins' ensuing drive stalled, punter Jake Bailey pinned Buffalo deep at its own 2-yard line with a perfectly placed kick. The defense again held firm, keeping Allen and the Bills scoreless entering the fourth quarter.
Buffalo finally broke through early in the final frame when Allen connected with wide receiver Keon Coleman for a 35-yard touchdown. The two-point attempt failed, as Jones and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick combined to stop wideout Khalil Shakir just short of the goal line, keeping the Dolphins in control at 16–6.
Minutes later, Miami's defense produced its second takeaway of the day. Brooks stripped Allen on a scramble near midfield, and Fitzpatrick recovered the loose ball with 7:17 remaining. Two plays later, Achane burst through the line for a 59-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 23–6.
The defense continued to hold strong. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and Chubb each recorded late-game sacks before Allen found tight end Jackson Hawes for a 26-yard touchdown in the final minutes. Achane answered immediately, breaking free for a 35-yard score on the next possession to seal Miami's win and give him his second touchdown of the afternoon.
Tagovailoa finished 15-of-21 for 173 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Waddle led all receivers with five catches for 84 yards and a score, while Washington added his second touchdown of the season. Achane totaled 174 rushing yards on 22 carries and added 51 receiving yards on six catches.
On defense, Brooks led Miami with 12 tackles (six solo), one forced fumble, and two tackles for loss. Linebacker Bradley Chubb added four quarterback hurries and a sack, while defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. each registered one sack apiece. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tallied six tackles (six solo) and a fumble recovery, and cornerback Jack Jones contributed six tackles (three solo), two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Cornerback JuJu Brents recorded five tackles (five solo) and a fumble recovery, while linebacker Tyrel Dodson added nine stops (five solo).
Allen completed 28-of-40 passes for 306 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for Buffalo. James Cook rushed for 53 yards and added 24 receiving yards. Wide receivers Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman led the Bills through the air — Shakir finished with seven receptions for 58 yards, while Coleman added three catches for 46 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins will travel next to Madrid, Spain, to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 16. Kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. EST, with coverage on NFL Network and locally on CBS Miami.
