Buffalo Bills: Latest injury news and odds versus Miami Dolphins

A review of the latest injury news and game odds for the Buffalo Bills, as they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 at Hard Rock Stadium.

There is no denying last week’s 27-17 win over the New York Jets was an encouraging start for the Buffalo Bills. Led by Josh Allen and his career-high 312 passing yards, they are aiming to make the playoffs for the third time in four years.

However, it is widely acknowledged that tougher challenges lie ahead, when compared to one of the poorer teams in the NFL. Next up are the Miami Dolphins, who started the 2020 NFL season with an uninspiring performance in a 21-11 loss to the New England Patriots.

Highlighting the miserable outcome was a three-interception performance by former Bills quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick. As such, even though the game will be played in Miami Odds Shark have Buffalo as -5.5 favorites, which is up from -3 following the Week 1 results.

The fact the Bills are favorites is no surprise, especially considering last season’s results. Buffalo won 31-21 at home in Week 7, followed by a more comprehensive 37-20 victory in Miami during Week 11.

The Bills are 7-3 in their last 10 games versus the Dolphins, including 6-4 against the spread. More generally speaking, Buffalo is 9-1 straight up in their last 10 games when they have been betting favorites.

Turning to the injury report, head coach Sean McDermott’s main concerns come on defense. In particular, the linebacking core will be severely compromised for the Week 2 matchup with the Dolphins.

Both Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano were ruled out on Friday, with shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively. Milano did not practice all week, while Edmunds was only a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday, before sitting out entirely on Friday.

There is no denying the duo will be missed, although now is the time to be cautious against a Miami team which should still realistically be beaten. Edmunds notching three tackles versus the Jets, while Milano had four tackles to go along with a pick.

Still on the subject of linebackers, Del’Shawn Phillips is also out for Week 2, with a quadricep injury. Meanwhile, Tyrel Dobson has been listed as questionable with a neck injury, although he was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday.

Turning to the defensive line, Jerry Hughes and Vernon Butler have been dealing with a calf injury and hamstring strain respectively throughout the week. Both have been listed as questionable, although Hughes would appear to be the bigger doubt, having sat out practice entirely on Wednesday and only finally being a full participant on Friday.

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The other notable absence on defense is Josh Norman, who was brought in during the offseason to be the Bills’ second starting cornerback opposite Tre’Davious White. However, Norman was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury prior to the game with the Jets and will not play until Week 5 at the earliest.

The picture looks a lot more positive on offense, with only three players listed on the Week 2 injury report. Of the trio, wide receiver John Brown was dealing with a foot issue, but has been cleared to play after taking part in full practice on Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, fellow wideout Isaiah McKenzie is questionable despite being a full participant on Friday, due to a hamstring strain. Finally, quarterback Jake Fromm was only a limited participation in practice during the week, although his questionable status is not listed as being due to injury.

Overall, it is expected that the Buffalo Bills will face a tougher challenge compared to Week 1, due to the combination of their defensive injury absences and playing on the road. However, they should still have enough to beat the Dolphins, especially if they are to live up to their status as genuine contenders for another playoff spot.

What is your prediction for the Week 2 clash between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins? Who is going to win, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.