Brightcast Media, USA TODAY Sports
The NFL season is finally here! In Week 2, we get an absolute banger of a matchup between two AFC East rivals. The Bills are looking to build off the momentum from Week 1 as QB Josh Allen put together an MVP-caliber performance. The Dolphins are coming off a dramatic come-from-behind victory and looking to topple a Buffalo team that has had their number for the last several years. There are dozens of intriguing storylines entering this game, and we put together five bold predictions for this exciting Thursday night matchup.
De’Von Achane on a Limited Snap Count, Scores a TD
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Second-year running back De’Von Achane has a questionable tag entering this game but is leaning toward playing. The Dolphins are already without veteran back Raheem Mostert, and we will see one or both of Jeff Wilson Jr. and/or rookie Jaylen Wright taking a bulk of the carries. If Achane plays, he’ll likely be on a snap count to preserve his health on a short week. Still, Achane is a big play waiting to happen. Even on a lowered snap count, Achane will leave his mark on this game with a long touchdown run or catch.
Points, Points, and More Points
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This game will not feature a defensive struggle. While both teams have talented players on that end of the field, it’s the offenses that are the main attraction of this AFC East showdown. The Bills have averaged 34.3 PPG against the Dolphins in their last 12 meetings. Miami has the most explosive offense in the league and will be facing a Buffalo defense that is without a few key players. We very well could see the highest scoring total of any Week 2 game during this Thursday night showdown.
Keon Coleman scores first career TD
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The Bills’ new-look receiver room came to play in Week 1. Newcomer Mack Hollins scored a touchdown, and breakout candidate Khalil Shakir added one as well. It should be noted, though, that it was rookie Keon Coleman who paced the team in receptions (4), yards (51), and targets (5). It’s clear Allen already trusts the first-year wideout. Coleman was held out of the end zone in his debut, but he will hit pay dirt in Week 2.
Tyreek Hill Finishes with Over 150 Receiving Yards
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Tyreek Hill’s game-breaking speed was on full display last week…and, we’re talking about during the game. Hill’s 80-yard touchdown was the biggest moment of the second half and gave Miami the momentum to pull out a victory. Through Week 1, Hill ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (130) and led the league last year with a career-high 1,799. However, Hill hasn’t found quite as much success against Buffalo recently. He’s been held under the century mark in his last five meetings against the Bills. That changes this week. Buffalo’s once-vaunted safety duo is gone, and the Bills are already thin at cornerback with Taron Johnson out for this game. Hill will feast against this susceptible secondary.
Bills Win In Dramatic Fashion
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The Bills have owned this series as of late. Buffalo is 11-1 over the last 12 including a postseason matchup. There is no reason to believe the Dolphins suddenly have found a game plan to slow down Josh Allen. The perennial MVP contender looked sensational in Week 1 and doesn’t like he’ll miss a beat even with Stefon Diggs gone. The Dolphins should have no trouble putting up points, but the Bills will answer at every turn. Allen gives Buffalo a late lead with a rushing touchdown and sets up a potential game-winning drive for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami offense. Tagovailoa then throws a game-sealing interception to end the contest.
