Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (0-1)

The Bills started their season with a big home win over the Jets, winning by score of 27-17 and finishing with a +9.90% first down rate differential, 4th best of the week. That result shifted this line from 3.5 on the early line last week to 5.5 this week, as bettors seem to think that the Bills will continue that into another easy matchup with the Dolphins. That’s not necessarily the case though, for a few reasons.

For one, they’ll be on the road in Miami, where the Dolphins will have at least some fans in attendance. The Dolphins are also a better and healthier team than the Jets and they play harder and are better coached as well. On top of that, the Bills will have to play this game without their talented young linebacker duo of Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano, who are both out for this game. That’s a big blow to this Buffalo defense and should make it easier for the Dolphins to keep this close. I’ll need to confirm Devante Parker’s health status before the game, as the Dolphins #1 receiver is a gametime decision with a hamstring injury, but if he’s in the lineup and the line doesn’t move, the Dolphins may be worth a bet.

Update: Parker is playing, but this line has crept up to 6 in some places. I think that’s worth betting if you can get it. Without both of Buffalo’s linebackers, this line shouldn’t be any higher than 3.

Buffalo Bills 23 Miami Dolphins 21

Pick against the spread: Miami +6

Confidence: Medium