Buffalo Bills Dominating AFC East as Division Rivalries Intensify Heading into Week 9

As the NFL enters Week 9, the Buffalo Bills are firmly in control of the AFC East, boasting a significant lead over their division rivals. With a 6-2 record, the Bills are four games ahead of the next closest team, the Miami Dolphins, who stand at 2-5.

The Bills’ dominance is highlighted by their recent performance against the Dolphins, having won 13 of the last 14 meetings, including a 31-10 victory in Week 2. This weekend, the Bills host the Dolphins again, with Buffalo favored by 6 points according to BetMGM NFL odds.

The Dolphins, despite having a strong defense ranked sixth overall, struggle on offense, ranking last in the league in scoring with an average of fewer than 14 points per game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who returned last week after missing four games due to a concussion, faces the challenge of turning around the team’s fortunes. However, Miami’s recent history against Buffalo does not bode well, with the Dolphins having lost eight straight games at Buffalo.

The Bills are cautious about complacency, despite their commanding lead. Edge rusher Greg Rousseau emphasized the need to battle complacency, while cornerback Rasul Douglas downplayed the significance of the standings, focusing instead on maintaining their lead. The team has shown a balanced attack in their last two games, outscoring opponents 65-20 and gaining 834 yards, while their defense has allowed just 522 yards and forced a takeaway in eight straight games.

Von Miller‘s return from a four-game suspension is expected to bolster the Bills’ defense further. Miller, the league’s active leader with 126.5 sacks, had recorded three sacks in four games before his suspension. His presence will be crucial in the upcoming game against the Dolphins.

The Bills have a realistic chance of clinching the AFC East title early, potentially as soon as Week 11 or Week 12, depending on the outcomes of their and their rivals’ games. For instance, if the Bills are 9-2 and the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots are 2-8, 2-9, and 2-9 respectively, Buffalo could secure the division title in Week 11.