The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL, particularly within the AFC East. Their matchups are always packed with intensity, showcasing top-tier talent and unforgettable moments. For fans eager to dive into the nitty-gritty of player performances, this article breaks down the key player stats from their most recent clashes, focusing on the 2024 season games, including the dramatic November 3, 2024, showdown and the earlier September 12, 2024, game. Whether you’re a die-hard Bills Mafia member, a Dolphins fan, or just love football stats, this easy-to-read guide will give you a clear picture of how the stars performed on the field.
The Rivalry: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats in 2024
The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats faced off twice in the 2024 regular season, with the Bills sweeping the series. On September 12, 2024, at Hard Rock Stadium, the Bills dominated with a 31-10 victory. Then, on November 3, 2024, at Highmark Stadium, they secured a nail-biting 30-27 win, thanks to a record-breaking 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass. These games highlighted the Bills’ recent dominance over the Dolphins, with Buffalo winning six straight matchups and 13 of their last 14 encounters. Let’s dive into the player stats that shaped these thrilling games, starting with the quarterbacks who drive these teams.
Quarterback Showdown: Josh Allen vs Tua Tagovailoa
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Josh Allen is the heart and soul of the Bills’ offense, known for his dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner. In the November 3, 2024, game, Allen delivered a stellar second-half performance, shaking off an inconsistent start to lead Buffalo to victory. Here’s how he performed:
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Passing Stats: Completed 25 of 39 passes for 235 yards, with 3 touchdown passes and 1 interception.
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Touchdown Passes:
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A 1-yard pass to Mack Hollins.
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A 63-yard catch-and-run to rookie running back Ray Davis.
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A 2-yard lob to Quintin Morris while being tackled.
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Rushing Stats: While Allen’s rushing wasn’t a major factor in this game, his ability to scramble and extend plays kept the Dolphins’ defense on edge.
In the September 12 game, Allen was equally effective, though he didn’t need to carry the load as much due to a strong defensive performance:
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Passing Stats: 13 of 19 passes for 139 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions.
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Rushing Stats: Limited rushing yards, but his mobility helped set up key plays.
Allen’s 13-2 career record against the Dolphins underscores his dominance in this rivalry. His ability to make big plays, whether through the air or on the ground, makes him a nightmare for Miami’s defense.
Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ quarterback, is known for his quick release and accuracy, often targeting speedsters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. In the November 3 game, Tua kept Miami competitive, especially in the second half:
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Passing Stats: Completed 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions (though he fumbled three times in the previous week’s game, which carried over as a concern).
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Touchdown Passes:
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A 7-yard pass to Jaylen Waddle to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.
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Another touchdown to De’Von Achane, showcasing his connection with his running back.
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Rushing Stats: Tua had a 12-yard run that set up a key drive, but his scrambling led to a hard hit that briefly raised injury concerns.
In the September 12 game, Tua struggled under pressure from Buffalo’s defense:
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Passing Stats: 17 of 25 passes for 145 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions, including a pick-six by Ja’Marcus Ingram.
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Touchdown Pass: A 5-yard pass to De’Von Achane.
Tua’s performance in the earlier game was marred by turnovers, and his concussion in the third quarter ended his night early. Despite his accuracy (89.3% completion rate in the November game), the Bills’ defensive pressure has consistently disrupted his rhythm.
Running Backs: Power and Versatility
James Cook (Buffalo Bills)
James Cook emerged as a star in the September 12 game, setting the tone early with his explosive runs and receiving ability:
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Rushing Stats: 11 carries for 78 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, including a 49-yard touchdown run.
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Receiving Stats: 1 catch for 17 yards and a touchdown.
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Key Moment: His 49-yard touchdown run in the second quarter showcased his speed and vision, breaking open the game.
In the November 3 game, Cook’s role was less prominent as the Bills leaned on their passing game, but he still contributed:
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Rushing Stats: Limited carries but effective in short-yardage situations.
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Receiving Stats: Minimal involvement, as rookie Ray Davis took some of the receiving workload.
Cook’s ability to score in multiple ways makes him a vital part of Buffalo’s offense, especially against a Dolphins defense that struggles to contain him.
De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins)
De’Von Achane is Miami’s dynamic running back, known for his speed and ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver. In the November 3 game, he was a standout:
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Rushing Stats: 12 carries for 63 yards, 1 touchdown.
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Receiving Stats: 8 receptions for 58 yards, 1 touchdown.
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Key Moment: His 12-yard run to open Miami’s game-tying drive in the fourth quarter showed his ability to spark the offense.
In the September 12 game, Achane was a bright spot despite the Dolphins’ loss:
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Rushing Stats: 22 carries for 96 yards.
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Receiving Stats: 7 receptions for 69 yards, 1 touchdown.
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Key Moment: His 5-yard touchdown reception kept Miami in the game early.
Achane’s versatility makes him a dangerous weapon, but the Bills’ front seven limited his impact in key moments.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Big Plays and Clutch Catches
Buffalo Bills Receivers
The Bills’ receiving corps, reshaped after losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, relies on a committee approach. In the November 3 game:
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Ray Davis (Rookie RB/Receiver): 2 receptions for 70 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown catch-and-run.
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Mack Hollins: Caught a 1-yard touchdown pass, showing his value in the red zone.
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Quintin Morris: Made a clutch 2-yard touchdown catch in a chaotic play.
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Khalil Shakir: Led the team in the September 12 game with 5 receptions for 54 yards, proving reliable as a possession receiver.
The Bills’ receivers may not have a single superstar, but their depth and Allen’s trust in them keep the offense humming.
Miami Dolphins Receivers
Miami’s receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is among the NFL’s best, but Buffalo’s secondary has often contained them:
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Jaylen Waddle (November 3): Caught a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game late, finishing with solid production despite an earlier injury scare.
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Tyreek Hill (November 3): 19-yard reception on the game-tying drive, but his overall impact was limited by Buffalo’s defense.
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September 12 Game:
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Hill: Contributed 140 receiving yards for the season but was held in check by Buffalo’s secondary.
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Waddle: Limited production due to Tua’s early exit.
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Achane also factored heavily in the passing game, as noted earlier, highlighting Miami’s strategy of spreading the ball to multiple playmakers.
Defensive Standouts: Turnovers and Pressure
Buffalo Bills Defense
The Bills’ defense was the difference-maker in both games, generating turnovers and pressuring Tua. Key performers in the September 12 game:
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Ja’Marcus Ingram: 2 interceptions, including a pick-six, earning him a game ball.
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Christian Benford: 1 interception, helping to shut down Miami’s passing game.
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Ed Oliver: 1 sack and 3 solo tackles, disrupting the Dolphins’ backfield.
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Damar Hamlin, Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector: Each recorded 10 tackles, leading the team.
In the November 3 game, the defense was less dominant but still clutch:
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Damar Hamlin and Co.: Continued to lead in tackles, with the front seven generating consistent pressure.
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Key Moment: Forced a crucial stop after Achane’s 17-yard run, setting up the game-winning field goal drive.
The Bills’ ability to generate turnovers (four turnovers on downs and three interceptions in September) and pressure Tua has been a hallmark of their success against Miami.
Miami Dolphins Defense
Miami’s defense, missing key players like Zach Sieler and Jevon Holland in the November game, struggled to contain Josh Allen:
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Chop Robinson: Flagged for a neutral zone infraction on a critical third-down play, extending Buffalo’s game-winning drive.
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Jordan Poyer: A former Bill, Poyer was penalized for unnecessary roughness on a hit against Keon Coleman, further aiding Buffalo’s final drive.
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Calais Campbell: Noted for his leadership, but the defense couldn’t force enough turnovers to swing the game.
In the September 12 game, Miami’s defense was overwhelmed by Buffalo’s balanced attack and couldn’t recover from early turnovers.
Special Teams: The Tyler Bass Redemption
The November 3 game will be remembered for Tyler Bass’ heroics. Facing scrutiny for inconsistent kicking earlier in the season, Bass drilled a franchise-record 61-yard field goal with five seconds left to secure the 30-27 win. This kick, which had enough distance to reach the stands, was a career-defining moment for the 27-year-old kicker. In the September 12 game, Bass also contributed a field goal, helping Buffalo capitalize on a short field after a turnover. His performance under pressure was pivotal in both games.
Team Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats: A Closer Look
Here’s a quick comparison of team stats from the November 3, 2024, game at Highmark Stadium:
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Stat |
Buffalo Bills |
Miami Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
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Total Yards |
325 | 373 |
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First Downs |
24 | 26 |
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Turnovers |
1 | 1 |
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Time of Possession |
28:07 | 31:53 |
Miami had the edge in total yards and time of possession, but Buffalo’s efficiency in the red zone and clutch defensive stops made the difference. In the September 12 game, Buffalo’s defense dominated, forcing four turnovers on downs and three interceptions, leading to a lopsided 31-10 score.
Why This Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just stats—it’s about pride, playoff implications, and AFC East supremacy. Buffalo’s 7-2 record after the November game solidified their lead in the division, while Miami’s 2-6 start put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Josh Allen’s 13-2 record against Miami, including a 12-2 mark under coach Sean McDermott, shows how one-sided this matchup has become. Yet, the Dolphins’ speed and offensive creativity keep these games competitive, as seen in the back-and-forth second half on November 3.
Historical Context: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
Historically, the Dolphins lead the all-time series 62-60-1, with a 61-56-1 record in the regular season and 1-4 in the postseason. However, since Josh Allen joined the Bills in 2018, Buffalo has flipped the script, winning 13 of the last 14 games. The September 25, 2022, game, where Miami won 21-19 in a heat-soaked battle, remains the Dolphins’ last victory in the series. That game featured Tua leading a 90-yard drive while possibly concussed, highlighting the intensity of this rivalry.
Key Takeaways for Fans
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Josh Allen’s Dominance: His ability to deliver in clutch moments, whether through passing or improvising, makes him Miami’s biggest challenge.
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De’Von Achane’s Versatility: Miami’s running back is a dual-threat weapon, but the Bills’ defense has found ways to limit his big plays.
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Turnovers Are Key: Buffalo’s defense thrives on forcing mistakes, as seen in the September game’s three interceptions.
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Tyler Bass’ Redemption: His 61-yard field goal in November was a game-changer, proving his value under pressure.
Looking Ahead
As the Bills chase a fifth straight AFC East title, their dominance over the Dolphins gives them a psychological edge. For Miami, the focus is on regrouping and finding ways to counter Buffalo’s defensive pressure and Allen’s playmaking. Fans can expect more high-stakes battles in future seasons, with both teams boasting young talent and explosive offenses.