BILLS at DOLPHINS
8:15 p.m., Dolphins by 1 ½, 49
HANK’S HONEYS: Both teams had to come from behind for opening day wins and that makes it hard to get a read on their relative strengths. It feels, however, that this is a bigger game for the Dolphins. If they are to make any noise in the playoffs, that means winning the division, staying home and avoiding the cold climes like they faced in Kansas City a year ago. To do so, they must beat the Bills at home with the rematch set for Week 18 in Buffalo. Their problem is that they are 2-11 regular season and playoffs against Josh Allen, who has burned them for 36 passing TDs and five more with his legs during that span. Straight-up, the Dolphins have won nine of their 11 last games at Hard Rock Stadium, but against Allen they are just 2-4. Allen is on the injured list with an injury to his non-throwing hand. Knowing the competitor that he is, it shouldn’t affect him.
Miami won Sunday’s game with huge defensive plays. Its explosive offense was held in check by the Jaguars. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 338 yards but they were quiet yards outside of Tyreek Hill’s long TD. If the Dolphins are to turn the tide against the Bills, they will need a lot more out of their running game. De’Von Achane carried 10 times for just 24 yards and Raheem Mostert was stoned for just nine yards on six carries. Both are nursing injuries — Achane an ankle and Mostert his chest — and with the short week that is a huge concern. The Dolphins’ O-line didn’t exactly alleviate preseason concerns, allowing eight tackles for loss and three sacks. Now they face a very tough matchup in edge rusher Greg Rousseau, who was a one-man gang against the Cardinals with three sacks, three tackles for loss, six quarterback pressures and one forced fumble.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Bills and the over.