If the Miami Dolphins are at least competitive against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, we’ll be spared the Mike McDaniel hot seat talk.

On the flip side, if the Dolphins get blown out you’ll hear plenty about McDaniel’s future the rest of the week.

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The Dolphins are off to a rough start at 0-2, and they’re not getting any favors this week with a game against the Buffalo Bills, who look like the best team in the AFC. The Bills came back to beat the Ravens in Week 1 and then demolished the Jets in Week 2. Josh Allen looks like he can win another MVP award. Buffalo is clearly a Super Bowl contender.

The Dolphins are closer to contending for the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft than a Super Bowl. Miami’s defense has been one of the worst in the league and the offense has been up and down. The Dolphins are 0-2 and after a bad 2024 season and rough offseason, there is already speculation about what Miami’s next moves might be. If Miami loses big on a prime-time stage, the speculation about major changes will be accelerated.

Who needs it more?

While it’s tough to say if it’s is Bills or Dolphins, the actual answer is probably “Mike McDaniel.” The Bills, with eyes on the No. 1 seed in the AFC this season, wouldn’t exactly be thrilled to lose a home game against a clearly inferior Dolphins team. Miami is already in bad shape at 0-2, and an 0-3 start would practically mean they’re already playing out the string before September is even over. So both teams need this win in their own way, but McDaniel’s immediate future might look bleak if the Dolphins don’t at least compete.

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Key player: Bills RB James Cook

Cook wanted a raise after a nice 2024 season, and got it after holding in. Through two games he’s again looking like one of the NFL’s most productive backs. In Week 1 Cook had 102 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. In Week 2 he had 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If the game goes as expected, the Bills won’t need Josh Allen to pass it too often. The Dolphins are horrendous against the pass, but game script probably indicates that Cook should have plenty of opportunities and a chance for a huge game. However, this is the 2025 Dolphins defense and it’s possible the Bills put up big numbers passing and running it on Thursday night.

Betting market watch, by Ben Fawkes

Josh Allen has beaten the Dolphins in all seven regular-season meetings at home, going 4-3 against the spread. With injuries on defense for Miami, this one could get ugly — even though there has been some sharp action grabbing the Dolphins at +12.5, which is the line at BetMGM. The Dolphins are 0-2 ATS and the Bills are 2-0 ATS, which helps explain why the betting public is all over Buffalo tonight despite the massive spread.

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Check out more of Ben’s work at the Yahoo Sports betting hub

Buffalo is a big favorite on Thursday night, but divisional games often have a way of being surprisingly competitive. Here are three fantasy angles to watch for:

Can Tyreek Hill make a splash play? The Dolphins finally hit on a long pass to Hill last week, his first grab over 30 yards in a calendar year. If Miami continues to struggle, it’s possible Hill is auditioning for his next team.

Is there a target hog in Buffalo? Keon Coleman had a breakout game in Week 1, but no Buffalo pass catcher got past 47 yards last week. Remember, despite Josh Allen’s MVP season, Mack Hollins led this team in touchdown catches last year with a modest five.

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Is De’Von Achane the best pass-catching RB in the league? Achane was an occasional receiver as a rookie before spiking last year, but in 2025 the receiving production has been ridiculous (he’s on a pace for 94-952-17). The Miami offense likes quick throws, and Achane can make any defender miss.

Check out more of Scott’s work at the Yahoo Sports fantasy hub