The score volleyed back and forth between Buffalo and Miami.
— High expectations were put on the Buffalo Bills coming in to yet another divisional matchup.
But the Miami Dolphins gave the Bills their best shot and kept the double-digit favorites close most of the way.
With just over three minutes remaining in the game and the Bills holding a 28-21 lead, Miami drove downfield to Buffalo’s 21-yard line. Then, the Bills’ defense did what it does best and came away with an opportune takeaway.
Just as he jumped on a fumble late in the Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens, on first-and-10, linebacker Terrel Bernard picked off quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on a pass intended for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The stadium erupted as Bernard returned the interception 24 yards, setting up the Bills’ offense to close out the game, which it promptly did, ending the ensuing drive with a 48-yard field goal. The Bills beat the Dolphins 31-21 and improved to 3-0.
The win marks the 25th consecutive game for the Bills without losing the turnover battle (including playoffs), the longest streak in NFL history.
The Bills now have 11 straight division wins at home — the longest streak since the New England Patriots won 17 straight from 2009 to 2014.
Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams:
What to make of QB performance: Overall, Allen had a strong day, not turning the ball over and orchestrating impressive drives — in addition to throwing three touchdown passes to get 200 on his career.
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The Dolphins, however, took away the Bills’ ability to get the ball downfield. Allen did not complete a pass thrown more than 10 yards down the field (0-1).
