ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Miami Dolphins are digging themselves quite a hole as the first month of the 2025 NFL season continues.

Playing as heavy underdogs against the talented Buffalo Bills in Week 3, the Dolphins went into halftime tied at 14 — but opened the second half by giving up a touchdown, falling behind, 21-14.

Surprisingly, the Dolphins orchestrated a touchdown drive of their own to tie the score at 21.

And Miami’s defense, after a rough first half, was on its way to forcing a third straight Bills punt.

However, a catastrophic special teams penalty from defensive tackle Zach Sieler – roughing the kicker on fourth-and-7 – extended Buffalo’s drive.

The Bills took full advantage, taking a 28-21 lead.

That ultimately resulted in the Dolphins’ 31-21 loss Thursday at Highmark Stadium, making them the first team in the NFL to start the 2025 season 0-3.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers in the win – improving to 8-0 on Thursdays and 8-0 at home in his stellar career against the Dolphins.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who turned in an average performance, had another back-breaking fourth-quarter turnover — throwing an interception with Miami driving in Buffalo territory.

Miami’s next game will be another nationally televised contest, as they will gear up to host the New York Jets on Monday, Sept. 29 at Hard Rock Stadium.

Key Analysis:

• The Dolphins were penalized six times for 57 yards in Thursday’s 10-point loss. Buffalo was penalized three times for 35 yards. Penalties continue to haunt the Dolphins under the leadership of Mike McDaniel.
• Rookie running back Ollie Gordon II gave Miami an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. It was Gordon II’s first touchdown score of his career.
• Linebacker Bradley Chubb recorded a sack — giving him at least one in each of Miami’s first three games this season.
• Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle each caught a touchdown pass. Hill’s touchdown was his first of the season.
• Bills running back James Cook led all rushers with 108 yards on 19 touches – scoring a touchdown in the process.
• Tagovailoa mishandled a third-down snap in the first half, but recovered the ball.
• The Bills have now won 13 of the team’s last 14 games against the Dolphins – including the last six meetings.

Next:

• The Dolphins (0-3) return to the field Sept. 29, welcoming the New York Jets (0-2) to Hard Rock Stadium for a 7:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Miami will sport its new “Rivalries” jersey and helmet.
• The Bills (3-0), alone atop the AFC East, continue a stretch of three consecutive home games with a matchup against the New Orleans Saints (0-2) on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.

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