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Bills vs. Dolphins live score, updates, highlights from NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ game

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The 2025 season is already trending in much different directions for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.

As expected, Josh Allen and the Bills enter Week 3 looking like title contenders again, hoping this is the year they can finally break through in the AFC. Week 1 was a thrilling Buffalo comeback at home against the Baltimore Ravens, while Week 2 saw the squad blow out the New York Jets, 30-10.

Now, the Bills appear to have another upcoming advantage on “Thursday Night Football.” The Dolphins travel to Orchard Park appearing on the verge of an all-out collapse, with questions over head coach Mike McDaniel’s future growing. With season-opening losses to the Colts and Patriot already, Miami needs quick answers to its struggles.

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While Allen (542 passing yards, four total TDs) has been his usual dominant self to open 2025, Tua Tagovailoa (429 passing yards, three TDs, three INTs) isn’t offering Miami as much optimism about his status as a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins’ defense isn’t helping, allowing the second-most total points through Week 2 (66) of any team so far.

But at the same time, Thursday marks a perfect opportunity for Miami to bounce-back against an elite division opponent. As the two AFC East foes go head-to-head on “Thursday Night Football,” the Dolphins may be facing more immediate pressure than the Bills, but things can change fast in the NFL. Can Tagovailoa and company upset Buffalo on the road?

The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights as the Bills host the Dolphins for a Week 3 edition of “Thursday Night Football.” Follow along below for updates.

STREAM: Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ on Amazon Prime Video

Bills vs. Dolphins score

 

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Bills vs. Dolphins live updates, highlights from NFL ‘Thursday Night Football’ game

All times ET.

Bills 21, Dolphins 14

9:56 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — It’s another relatively easy drive for the Bills offense. James Cook continues his good day with a touchdown after Allen got them there with his arm and legs. Buffalo is back on top.

9:54 p.m. — Allen is heating up. First, it’s a 19-yard run for the quarterback. Then, he hits Kincaid for another 19 yards.

9:52 p.m. — Buffalo begins the second half with the ball. Allen’s passes to Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir get the Bills going, looking for their third touchdown in four drives.

9:36 p.m. — The score doesn’t represent it right now, but this hasn’t been a bad night for the Bills’ offense; Josh Allen is 11-13 with 97 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He also became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 300 offensive touchdowns, including playoffs.

Still, Buffalo’s defense has surrendered two touchdowns to Miami, which is looking for a road upset. Tagovailoa is 12-18 with 66 passing yards, while the team has a total of 65 rushing yards.

Halftime: Dolphins 14, Bills 14

9:32 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — We have a game in this AFC East showdown. With under 10 seconds remaining in the half, the Dolphins capitalize on Buffalo’s missed field goal; Tagovailoa finds Jaylen Waddle for a three-yard touchdown, tying it at 14.

Miami hasn’t been known to play well in Buffalo in recent years, but Mike McDaniel’s squad is still in this one at halftime.

9:27 p.m. — Tagovailoa picks up the first down with his legs on 3rd & 7. The Dolphins are in field-goal territory as time ticks away.

9:19 p.m. — It’s not coming easy for the Dolphins’ offense, but they are picking up a few first downs seeking to tie this game. At the two-minute warning, Tagovalioa escaped some pressure before finding Tyreek Hill downfield for a 19-yard play on third down. It’s Hill’s second catch, and it sets Miami up nicely to potentially get points before the break.

9:16 p.m. — Matt Prater, the Bills’ savior in Week 1 with a game-winner, goes wide-left on a 39-yard field goal attempt. Miami is still hanging around in this first half, and its defense finally got to Allen for a key sack.

9:13 p.m. — James Cook, the NFL’s leading rusher entering Week 2, is already up to 73 tonight on eight carries. Buffalo is approaching the red zone for another potential score.

9:04 p.m. — Ollie Gordon has played much more of a role for the Dolphins tonight, although Achane remains a centerpiece of the offense:

9:02 p.m. — The Bills’ defense has settled in, stopping Miami on two-straight drives now after the opening touchdown. Tagovailoa managed just one positive yard on a three-and-out, and all of a sudden, the Bills can make this a two-score game already.

Bills 14, Dolphins 7

8:56 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Josh Allen is doing Josh Allen things. He fakes out multiple Dolphins defenders, acting like he was about to make an attempt at running into the end zone, then just simply flicks the ball over to Jackson Hawes for the score instead.

The Bills’ offense has had no troubles tonight, with 128 yards and 14 points on two drives.

End of first quarter: Dolphins 7, Bills 7

8:49 p.m. — The first quarter comes to an end with the Bills once again moving the ball well. Kincaid had another grab for 12 yards, and Cook is up to 39 rushing yards. 

8:42 p.m. — Tagovailoa fumbles the ball on a third down, recovers it then scrambles, but it’s not enough to pick up the first. The Dolphins punt, giving Buffalo a chance to take its first lead.

Dolphins 7, Bills 7

8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — That was a quick answer from Buffalo. In just seven plays, the Bills get 85 yards, most of which came from Cook in the ground game. However, it’s tight end Dalton Kincaid who finishes the drive with a 20-yard scoring pass from Allen.

The Bills knot things back up, finding no trouble against a Dolphins defense that has struggled to begin 2025.

 8:31 p.m. — James Cook already looks like he’ll be in for another strong game. After a Bills penalty for unnecessary roughness, then a Dolphins pass interference, the running back picks up a combined 33 yards over two carries and a reception.

Dolphins 7, Bills 0

8:25 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Into the end zone goes Ollie Gordon II. With 23 rushing yards on their first drive, Miami takes the early lead on the road, a nice start for their offense when they’ve needed one.

However, the Dolphins’ defense against Josh Allen will remain the bigger concern.

8:22 p.m. — The Dolphins are having a nice first drive. De’Von Achane has 12 yards on his first two carries, plus a 15-yard catch; Tagovailoa has his squad in the red zone to begin the matchup.

8:16 p.m. — Miami begins with the football tonight, as Dee Eskridge gets a solid return on the kickoff. Out comes Tua Tagovailoa. 

Pregame

8:06 p.m. — The action will begin in Buffalo soon. Josh Allen owns a 12-2 career record against Miami; will that trend continue?

8:04 p.m. — Mike McDaniel’s job is safe for now, Ian Rapoport reports. But it remains to be seen how true that holds over the rest of the season.

8:02 p.m. — Keon Coleman looks ready for Thursday Night Football.

7:51 p.m. — Josh Allen will be wearing a visor tonight due to his nose injury.

7:42 p.m. — Amazon had a “Ryan Fitzpatrick lookalike competition” before tonight’s game. He’s certainly a fan favorite in Buffalo.

7:06 p.m. — And the inactives for Buffalo:

7:05 p.m. — Here are the Dolphins’ inactives for tonight’s game:

6:38 p.m. — Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is officially “good to go” for this game, per Cameron Wolfe. His status was previously up in the air due to a shoulder injury. 

6:37 p.m. — Josh Allen wore a hat designed by a patient at Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital before tonight’s game: 

6:28 p.m. — Tua Tagovailoa arrived to Highmark Stadium in full Dolphins teal and orange.

MORE BILLS-DOLPHINS NEWS:

Where to watch the NFL game tonight

Bills vs. Dolphins start time

  • Date: Thursday, September 18
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET, 5:15 p.m. PT

The Bills vs. Dolphins matchup will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.

What channel is Bills vs. Dolphins on today?

Bills vs. Dolphins in Week 3 will be on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” coverage, with Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit on the call.

Fans located in the Buffalo area can also watch on their local ABC station, while fans in Miami areas can watch the game on their local CBS station.

Bills schedule 2025

Week Date Matchup Time (ET) TV/Result
1 Sept. 7 vs. Ravens 8:20 p.m. Bills 41, Ravens 40
2 Sept. 14 at Jets 1 p.m. Bills 30, Jets 10
3 Sept. 18 vs. Dolphins 8:15 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
4 Sept. 28 vs. Saints 1 p.m. CBS
5 Oct. 5 vs. Patriots 8:20 p.m. NBC
6 Oct. 13 at Falcons 7:15 p.m. ESPN
7 BYE — — —
8 Oct. 26 at Panthers 1 p.m. Fox
9 Nov. 2 vs. Chiefs 4:25 p.m. CBS
10 Nov. 9 at Dolphins 1 p.m. CBS
11 Nov. 16 vs. Buccaneers 1 p.m. CBS
12 Nov. 20 at Texans 8:15 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
13 Nov. 30 at Steelers 4:25 p.m. CBS
14 Dec. 7 vs. Bengals 4:25 p.m. Fox
15 Dec. 14 at Patriots 1 p.m. CBS
16 Dec. 21 at Browns 1 p.m. CBS
17 Dec. 28 vs. Eagles 4:25 p.m. Fox
18 TBD vs. Jets TBD TBD

Dolphins schedule 2025

Week Date Matchup Time (ET) TV/Result
1 Sunday, Sept. 7 at Colts 1 p.m. Colts 33, Dolphins 8
2 Sunday, Sept. 14 vs. Patriots 1 p.m. Patriots 33, Dolphins 27
3 Thursday, Sept. 18 at Bills 8:15 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
4 Monday, Sept. 29 vs. Jets 7:15 p.m. ESPN
5 Sunday, Oct. 5 at Panthers 1 p.m. Fox
6 Sunday, Oct. 12 vs. Chargers 1 p.m. CBS
7 Sunday, Oct. 19 at Browns 1 p.m. CBS
8 Sunday, Oct. 26 at Falcons 1 p.m. CBS
9 Thursday, Oct. 30 vs. Ravens 8:15 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
10 Sunday, Nov. 9 vs. Bills 1 p.m. CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 16 vs. Commanders (Spain) 9:30 a.m. NFL Network
12 BYE — — —
13 Sunday, Nov. 30 vs. Saints 1 p.m. Fox
14 Sunday, Dec. 7 at Jets 1 p.m. CBS
15 Monday, Dec. 15 at Steelers 8:15 p.m. ESPN
16 Sunday, Dec. 21 vs. Bengals 8:20 p.m. NBC
17 Sunday, Dec. 28 vs. Buccaneers 1 p.m. Fox
18 TBD at Patriots TBD TBD

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