In a game that was as close as it was dramatic, the Buffalo Bills outlasted the Miami Dolphins 30-27, thanks to a record-setting 61-yard field goal by kicker Tyler Bass in the final seconds. The electrifying matchup at Highmark Stadium saw the Bills improve to 7-2, solidifying their dominance in the AFC East while dropping the Dolphins to a disappointing 2-6.
The “Dolphins vs. Bills” rivalry has long been a fierce divisional battle, and this Week 9 contest was no exception. Both teams showcased resilience and intensity throughout the game, trading leads four times in the second half. While Buffalo ultimately emerged victorious, Miami pushed the Bills to the limit, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The game began slowly for the Bills, who struggled to capitalize on red-zone opportunities in the first half. They went into halftime trailing 10-6 after a performance marked by field goals rather than touchdowns. Josh Allen, Buffalo’s star quarterback, found himself under pressure early, completing quick, short passes that often resulted in minimal yardage gains.
However, the second half saw the Bills emerge with a more dynamic offensive approach. Allen ultimately finished 25-of-39 for 235 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. His standout moment came when he connected on a pressure-laden touchdown pass to tight end Quintin Morris, highlighting Allen’s knack for clutch plays under duress.
This marked Allen’s 12th career victory over Miami, giving him a 12-2 record against the Dolphins. His mastery of this matchup includes an impressive tally of 37 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, cementing his place as a key player in the Bills’ success against Miami over recent years.
While Allen’s play was crucial, the true hero of the game was Tyler Bass. The Bills kicker had been under scrutiny for recent inconsistencies, having missed several field goals and extra points earlier in the season. Despite his struggles, head coach Sean McDermott put his trust in Bass, opting to send him out for a 61-yard attempt with five seconds left on the clock.
Bass didn’t flinch. With calm precision, he launched the ball straight through the uprights, not only winning the game for Buffalo but also setting a new franchise record for the longest field goal. His kick eclipsed the previous mark of 59 yards, set by Steve Christie in 1993, and ignited a euphoric celebration from Bills fans.
“I wasn’t thinking about anything,” Bass said after the game, reflecting on his mental approach. “Just went through my process and trusted my preparation. And that was it.” McDermott praised Bass’s perseverance and resilience, acknowledging the challenges Bass has faced this season and commending his ability to deliver in a high-pressure moment.
For Miami, the game was another heartbreakingly close loss, coming on the heels of last week’s last-second defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa put in an impressive performance, completing 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His accuracy kept the Dolphins competitive, and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle tied the game at 27-27 with just under two minutes remaining.
However, the Dolphins’ defense was unable to keep the Bills from advancing downfield in the game’s closing moments. Costly penalties extended Buffalo’s final drive, including an unnecessary roughness call on former Bills safety Jordan Poyer after a helmet-to-helmet hit on rookie receiver Keon Coleman. The penalties set up Bass’ record-breaking kick and allowed the Bills to walk away with the win.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed disappointment but emphasized that the team had played one of its most complete games of the season. “Hats off to Tyler Bass for making that,” Tagovailoa said postgame. “Hats off to their team; they did a great job.”
While both offenses put on a show, the game exposed vulnerabilities in each team’s defense. Miami’s ground game found success, with running back De’Von Achane amassing 63 yards on 12 carries and scoring a touchdown, as well as contributing through the air. Yet Buffalo’s run defense looked shaky, allowing Miami to rack up 149 rushing yards and sustain drives with 10 rushing first downs.
On the Bills’ side, the absence of wide receiver Amari Cooper, sidelined with a wrist injury, shifted the focus to other playmakers. Wide receiver Mack Hollins stepped up with a touchdown, while rookie Ray Davis demonstrated his versatility with a 63-yard catch-and-run touchdown that moved Allen into second place on Buffalo’s all-time passing touchdowns list. With 182 career touchdown passes, Allen now trails only Hall of Famer Jim Kelly’s record of 237.
The Bills continue to dominate the “Dolphins vs. Bills” rivalry, having won 13 of their last 14 matchups and nine straight at home against Miami. With this victory, Buffalo has built a four-game lead in the AFC East and appears well-positioned to secure another division title.
For the Dolphins, the loss was another reminder of the challenges they face in reaching elite status within the division. Despite a promising performance from Tagovailoa, Miami’s inability to close out games continues to be a concern.
The Bills now shift their focus to a Week 10 clash with the Indianapolis Colts, who recently named veteran quarterback Joe Flacco as their starter. As Buffalo continues its pursuit of an AFC championship, the Dolphins will regroup and prepare for their own next challenge, looking to build on their competitive play and turn close losses into wins.
In this unforgettable “Dolphins vs. Bills” showdown, it was Tyler Bass’s final kick that stole the spotlight, leaving Bills fans hopeful for even bigger moments as the season progresses.