Oddsmakers expect a lopsided Thursday Night Football clash between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. And frankly, it's hard to argue, considering these are two clubs trending in polar opposite directions. However, health appears to be a factor that could bridge the demonstrably wide gap between them, if their latest injury reports are any indication.
The Bills have ruled out two star contributors: defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle) and linebacker Matt Milano (pec).
We know the impact Oliver and Milano have on the Bills; they're anchors of the defense and their respective levels of the field. Regardless of the opponent, not having either in the lineup complicates matters for the five-time reigning AFC East champions. The Dolphins will surely look to exploit Buffalo's depleted defense in Week 3, which may make things interesting.
Shorthanded Bills defense could prove to be a factor vs. Dolphins
Buffalo can't afford to play with their food. The Dolphins have playmakers that thrive in the short-to-intermediate areas, where Oliver and Milano typically reside despite being 0-2 and the rancid vibes in Miami.
Miami's versatile running back De'Von Achane and star wide receiving tandem of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are dangerous with the ball in their hands. They each have the speed and after-the-catch ability to make the Bills feel the loss of not having Milano and Oliver at their disposal. As division rivals who have seen plenty of each other over the years, Buffalo is well aware of this.
For whatever it's worth, the Bills have fared well against Hill and Waddle since becoming teammates in 2022. The last time either recorded 100 receiving yards was their inaugural campaign together, so Buffalo has ostensibly made a concerted effort to slow them down. Yet, slowing them down becomes much harder when Milano isn't lurking in coverage and Oliver isn't generating pressure in the trenches.
Moreover, the Bills haven't had much success containing Achane. He averaged a gaudy 116.8 scrimmage yards per contest on a strong 6.6 yards per touch and scored six touchdowns in four meetings versus Buffalo. His explosiveness is a weapon, especially sans Milano's sideline-to-sideline prowess and Oliver's interior wreckage.