Leodis Mckelvin's punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter set the tone for the game, as the Buffalo Bills used special teams and defense to top the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, 19-14.
Dolphins vs. Bills game recap: Special teams power Buffalo past Miami, 19-14
Leodis Mckelvin’s punt return and Rian Lindell’s four field goals are enough for the Bills to top the Dolphins.
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After Bills kicker Rian Lindell added a 32-yard field goal in the first quarter, the Dolphins finally got on the scoreboard with a kick return of their own, as Marcus Thigpen took the ball 96 yards to the house on the ensuing kick off.
The Bills' defense would hold the Dolphins in check for most of the night after that, as the Dolphins did not score again until the fourth quarter, when Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill connected with Davone Bess for a two-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 19-14 in favor of the Bills. Tannehill ended the night with 141 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions.
But it was too little too late, as Lindell's three consecutive first-half field goals to cap three eight-play drives led by Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick proved to be the difference in the game. Fitzpatrick threw for 168 yards without throwing an interception.
With the loss, the Dolphins fall into a tie with the Bills for second place in the AFC East at 4-6, trailing the 6-3 New England Patriots.
Fantasy studs and duds
If you’re in a league that credits defense and special teams together, tonight was a good night, as both the Dolphins and Bills had return touchdowns.
Beyond that, however, there wasn’t much to note. Fitzpatrick led the game in yardage, passing for 168 yards, but did not throw a touchdown. Tannehill had 141 yards and a touchdown pass, but threw two interceptions. His target on the touchdown throw, Davone Bess, finished with 50 yards and that touchdown pass, which was originally called incomplete, but was overturned.
Bills running back C.J. Spiller ran for 91 yards, while Daniel Thomas led the Dolphins with 33 yards rushing.
Did they cover?
Buffalo was a 2.5-to-3-point favorite against the Dolphins, and held on late to cover the spread.
What’s next?
The Dolphins take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 25, while the Bills will face off against the Indianapolis Colts the same day.
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