40 Facts About Dolphins Vs Bills

The Beginning of a Storied Rivalry

The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have been clashing on the gridiron for over five decades. This rivalry has seen its fair share of highs and lows, creating unforgettable moments in NFL history.

1. First Meeting: The Dolphins and Bills first faced off on September 18, 1966. The Bills won decisively, 58-24.

2. All-Time Series: As of 2023, the Dolphins lead the all-time series 62-58-1. In regular season play, the Dolphins hold a 61-54-1 advantage.

3. Postseason Results: The Bills have a slight edge in postseason meetings, winning four out of five games.

Memorable Victories and Streaks

Both teams have had their moments of glory, with some games standing out more than others due to the sheer dominance displayed.

4. Largest Victory: The Dolphins' largest victory came in 1970, winning 45-7. The Bills' biggest win was a 35-0 shutout in 2021.

5. Longest Win Streaks: The Dolphins hold the longest win streak in the rivalry with 20 consecutive victories from 1970 to 1979. The Bills had a seven-game streak from 2018 to 2021.

6. Current Win Streak: The Bills are currently on a four-game winning streak against the Dolphins, dating back to 2022.

Home Turf and Divisional Battles

Home-field advantage and divisional standings add another layer of intensity to this rivalry.

7. Stadiums: The Bills play at Highmark Stadium, while the Dolphins call Hard Rock Stadium home.

8. Division Rivals: Both teams are part of the AFC East, making their matchups crucial for divisional standings.

Historical Dominance and Competitive Eras

The rivalry has seen periods of dominance by both teams, with the 1970s and 1980s being particularly notable.

9. Historical Dominance: The Dolphins dominated the 1970s, winning all 20 meetings during that decade.

10. Competitive Era: The 1980s saw a more balanced competition, with the Dolphins winning 11 out of 20 games.

Hall of Fame Quarterbacks and Playoff Showdowns

The 1990s brought legendary quarterbacks and intense playoff battles, adding more excitement to the rivalry.

11. Hall of Fame Quarterbacks: The 1990s featured Jim Kelly for the Bills and Dan Marino for the Dolphins, both Hall of Famers.

12. Playoff Showdowns: The teams faced off four times in the AFC playoffs during the 1990s. The Bills won three of these encounters, including the 1992 AFC Championship Game.

Recent Trends and Key Players

In recent years, both teams have seen ups and downs, but the rivalry remains as fierce as ever.

13. Recent Trends: Both teams have experienced periods of decline but have maintained their competitive spirit. The Bills have emerged as a strong contender in the 2020s.

14. 2023 Season: The Bills and Dolphins met in Week 4 of the 2023 season, with the Bills winning 48-20. This was the Dolphins' first loss of the season after scoring 70 points against the Denver Broncos.

15. 2023 AFC East Title: In their Week 18 matchup, both teams were vying for the AFC East title. The Bills secured the division title with a win over the New England Patriots.

Quarterback Performances

The quarterbacks of both teams have played pivotal roles in shaping the rivalry's recent history.

16. Josh Allen's Record: Josh Allen has a remarkable 10-2 record against the Dolphins, including a 4-2 record in Miami.

17. Tua Tagovailoa's Struggles: Tua Tagovailoa has struggled against the Bills, with a 1-6 career record against them.

Off-Field Incidents and Team Dynamics

Off-field incidents and team dynamics also play a role in the rivalry, adding drama and intrigue.

18. Tyreek Hill's Incident: Before the Dolphins' season opener, Tyreek Hill was involved in a high-profile incident with police. Despite this, Hill caught an 80-yard touchdown pass in the win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

19. Team Dynamics: The Dolphins have invested heavily in their roster, with Tua Tagovailoa receiving a four-year, $212.4 million extension, and Jaylen Waddle signing a three-year deal worth $84.75 million.

20. Buffalo Bills' Offseason: The Bills let go of key contributors like Stefon Diggs but retained Josh Allen, who has been a driving force behind their success.

Injuries and Player Resilience

Injuries are part of the game, and both teams have had their share, affecting their performances.

21. Josh Allen's Performance: Josh Allen has been instrumental in the Bills' success, particularly against the Dolphins. He has accounted for 41 touchdown passes against them and boasts an impressive 11-2 record.

22. Injury Concerns: The Dolphins are dealing with injuries, particularly with running back Raheem Mostert ruled out due to a chest injury and De’Von Achane dealing with an ankle injury.

23. Miami's Home Record: The Dolphins have a strong home record under coach Mike McDaniel, going 4-0 in their first four home games of the season.

24. Tua Tagovailoa's Career Stats: Tua Tagovailoa has an 18-9 ATS record in home games, showing his team's ability to perform well at home.

25. Josh Allen's Hand Injury: Josh Allen suffered a hand injury during the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals but has been practicing with a glove to protect his hand.

Friendly Banter and Fantasy Football

The rivalry extends beyond the field, with friendly banter and fantasy football implications adding to the excitement.

26. Friendly Banter: The upcoming game will feature friendly banter between Josh Allen and former Bills safety Jordan Poyer, now with the Dolphins.

27. Fantasy Football Implications: The game has significant fantasy football implications, with strong performers like Josh Allen and Tyreek Hill.

Thursday Night Football and Divisional Importance

The rivalry takes center stage on Thursday Night Football, with both teams looking to gain an early season advantage.

28. Thursday Night Football: The game will be broadcast on Thursday Night Football, marking the second edition of the season. It will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

29. Early Season Momentum: Both teams are looking to build early season momentum, with the winner moving to 2-0 in the division.

30. Divisional Importance: The game is crucial for divisional standings, with both teams vying for supremacy in the AFC East.

Player Resilience and Broader Perspectives

Resilience and broader life perspectives play a crucial role in the rivalry, affecting players' performances and mindsets.

31. Tyreek Hill's Resilience: Tyreek Hill intends to use the game as therapy to cope with the recent police incident, emphasizing resilience in professional sports.

32. Tua Tagovailoa's Perspective: Tua Tagovailoa has cautioned against losing sight of broader life perspectives, highlighting the human experience beyond football.

33. Sean McDermott's Approach: Coach Sean McDermott has emphasized focusing on the game at hand, disregarding previous results and concentrating on the present matchup.

34. Jordan Poyer's Legacy: Jordan Poyer's legacy with the Bills has been praised by both McDermott and Allen, highlighting his dedication and resilience despite injuries.

Off-Field Incidents and Injuries

Off-field incidents and injuries continue to shape the dynamics of the rivalry, adding layers of complexity.

35. Calais Campbell's Incident: Calais Campbell was also involved in the police incident with Tyreek Hill, sparking a nationwide discussion on police use of excessive force.

36. Bodycam Footage: The incident was captured on bodycam footage, released by the Miami-Dade Police Department, sparking widespread reaction online.

37. Tyreek Hill's Stem Cell Treatment: Tyreek Hill clarified that he underwent stem cell treatment during the offseason, which he manages carefully to ensure optimal performance.

38. De’Von Achane’s Ankle Injury: De’Von Achane is listed as a game-time decision due to his ankle injury, sustained during the season opener.

39. Malik Washington’s Thigh Injury: The Dolphins are also dealing with an injury to wide receiver Malik Washington, who is out due to a thigh injury.

40. Dawuane Smoot’s Toe Injury: The Bills face an injury concern with defensive end Dawuane Smoot, likely out due to a toe injury.

The Dolphins vs. Bills Rivalry: A Timeless Clash

The Dolphins vs. Bills rivalry stands as one of the most compelling in NFL history. With over five decades of intense matchups, both teams have showcased periods of dominance and fierce competition. From the Dolphins' 20-game win streak in the '70s to the Bills' recent resurgence, each game adds another layer to this storied rivalry. Key players like Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Josh Allen, and Tua Tagovailoa have left their mark, making every encounter memorable. The 2023 season continues this tradition, with both teams aiming for AFC East supremacy. Injuries, off-field incidents, and strategic plays all contribute to the drama, ensuring fans are always on the edge of their seats. As the rivalry evolves, one thing remains certain: the Dolphins vs. Bills matchup will always be a highlight of the NFL season.