The NFL Week 2 slate kicks off with what should be a high scoring matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. These teams combined for nearly 800 yards in their week 1 wins and, once again, look like two of the best offenses in the league.
Buffalo swept the season series last year, winning 48-20 in Buffalo and 21-14 in Miami. It appears that the Bills defense took a step backward heading into this season, but as he proved in week 1, Josh Allen will keep them in every game.
We've analyzed every available player prop for Thursday night's game and have identified our 4 best bets.
Although any running back could thrive in Mike McDaniel’s system, De’Von Achane is “his guy”. Achane totaled 17 touches for over 100 yards against Jacksonville last week while breaking away for a few big gains through the air.
Facing a Buffalo team that just allowed 57 yards on the ground to Kyler and 83 total yards to James Conner, Achane and the ‘Fins should get out to a hot start behind Achane’s quick change of speed.
Surprisingly, Miami used De’Von at the goal line instead of Mostert which could be a new-look formation for McDaniel as he tries to match speed with power inside the 5 while keeping the ball out of Tua’s hands as much as he can.
Bonus pick: 2+ TD
The Bills front 5 was slightly outplayed by Arizona for chunks of their Week 1 game. With Miami’s defensive line mixing speed with power to limit Lawrence and Etienne’s effectiveness in their Week 1 win, it’s difficult to see Cook run wild on Miami - who’s limited the Bills RB to less than 40 rush yards in each of their four matchups.
Also, Cook’s 19 carries in week 1 was mostly a product of the 2nd half TOP that heavily favored Buffalo. Similar to 2023, 12 or 13 carries will likely be Cook’s output.
Allen’s 9 rush attempts in Week 1 resulted in some game-winning plays from the superstar QB. Look for more of this on Thursday Night against the ‘Fins, who Allen rushed for 67 yards on 15 carries against in their last matchup.
With no Gabe Davis and no Stefon Diggs, Josh’s rushing numbers should get an uptick especially against a Miami defense that will look to not let Allen’s big plays add up.
With Miami making a comeback to defeat Jacksonville last week, the momentum they bring into this Thursday Night game is crucial. With that being said, the Bills’ win against Arizona came with plenty of woes.
A kickoff lapse, lack of rush defense, and a first half deficit of 7 points is a cause for concern. Buffalo has had the Dolphins number over their last few meetings, but Miami’s extremely defensive win against the Jags should boost them into a big 1st half against the Bills.